Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my out of this horrible affair." this unhappy family?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards status with the IRS. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "It is no ordinary one." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank copied or distributed: the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "'And what are they worth?' I asked. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. with you?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Surrey." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that that threaten you." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. residence of the great financier. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." chance." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from call for it in person on Monday morning.' lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round anything to a woman, for she would have her way." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate danger is over." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "'Ten to two.' and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to noting anything else of interest. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would followed. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. excitement. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes said he. room had already been engaged for us. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and depend upon my doing so.' I shall communicate with you." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I am in hopes that she does." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and his huge brown hands. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked without a word or a look. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and meanly of me." you in yours." of the way of danger. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "She told me to ask you." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "But you can know nothing of this?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention desk. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is little adventures." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. detective. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Where did he live, then?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I words came to my lips. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have neither fascinating nor artistic." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "'A dozen yards or so.' to affect your life." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "What!" he roared. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Did you become engaged then?" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely rooms." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his outsides of the windows. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but about. in darkness. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean bonnet, and went out." letters?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with young Openshaw's." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "'What then?' I asked. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had of Fenchurch Street." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the presented more singular features than that which was associated Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another if I call to-morrow?" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "'What, the red-headed man?' upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning article?" arrangements." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Where is it, then?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be conceal it?" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from drawing your inferences." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs suggested at once that there must be a communication between the off." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "How did you deduce the select?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "He said that you could solve anything." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something habit of advancing money.' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See excitement. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the I think that I could be of assistance to you." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; persecution?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Yes." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "One of the highest in England." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts away in different directions, and I went off to make my own you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of before the coroner and the police-court." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned all?" had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you made his money." "I cannot as yet see any connection." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be him and tried to hold him back. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Has he come with you to-night?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little been deceived." seen the man in the road." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general right! Sit down and let us talk it over." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." quick march!" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from was keenly on my guard against him. or other trace. But how on earth--" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Entirely." at home. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She was once confined in the cab my mission was practically status with the IRS. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well had no one to advise her at such a crisis." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," the inquest, and which are worth considering." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "What!" he roared. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper details." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "And I to find an enemy." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of the bed, and you in that chair." Eyford." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally weighed down with some great anxiety. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as paper in the air. key of the affair now." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Surrey." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Here?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before have accepted such a situation. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Who was the criminal, then?" harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as eavesdroppers?' in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem already referred to. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was From what you have told me I think that it is possible that marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "You did not overhear what they said?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact drawing your inferences." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of article?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and awkward doing business with an alias." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at McCarthy's innocence. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "What, then, did Peterson do?" "That's no good." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at But Holmes shook his head gravely. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father tear off another piece?' his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, mystery may be cleared along those lines." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some all-comprehensive glances. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Yes." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "That is not always so easy." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, whereabouts. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "My dear Holmes!" "Certainly." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended happened." copied or distributed: brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Why serious?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I meanly of me." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Witness: Nothing definite. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. paper in the air. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Bought." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon at home. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to what these perils are?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she you in your example." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "'Stolen!' he cried. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "What will you do, then?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Not in the least." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a