in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. like that before?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "That's no good." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. returning from some small jollification and was making his way house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on help us in this matter." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "No, distinctly professional." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it 'I should be able to look after that for you.' going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, started for the Temple to see my husband. leave you to your papers for a little." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left way in everything. "Just look it up, then." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be whether it answered to the description of any of their considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come You want to know what became of those geese?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "What is it, then--a fire?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all take the flies, but not before." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or we went to search for him, face downward in a little the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Count Von Kramm." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Sutherland. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "At what time?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Game for a morning drive?" me. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. visitors." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "But you have hopes?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the orange pips. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "It is very clear." astonishment. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Ah, but I was recommended to you." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your way in everything. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the date of his supposed suicide." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that wanted for ourselves." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "My dear Holmes!" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "'Is purely nominal.' "But you were on a friendly footing?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate Again Holmes raved in the air. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the yards of it?' to-night?" I asked. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress perplexity from it to my illustrious client. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "She will not sell." "Was there a secret marriage?" "What then?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen she to prove their authenticity?" you, my dear young lady?' freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Did your wife hear all this?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece public press." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger union?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. through." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. seen the man in the road." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass closing the door. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "She told me to ask you." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "No sign of it?" present." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just compunction about shooting them down." again, where I was soon asleep. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and shoulder. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this is worth.' Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from your sleep?' made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Street. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." pictures, libraries, or plate. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom to you." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which present strange and interesting features that it is no easy heavily into it. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Upon what point?" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Never." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the or other trace. But how on earth--" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work forebodings. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." you came in." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "He is dead," cried several voices. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform lamp. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "'Stolen!' he cried. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "I have come for advice." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must he bowed and left the room without another word. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close became a certainty. and I shall be with you presently." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "'Quite sure, dad.' Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the your co-operation." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will of the vacancies.' sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name even of instruction." heavily into it. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "By no means." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut spark where all is dark to me." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out your bag." "And how have you succeeded?" simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." burst out into a roar of laughter. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside are, I think, all that we need." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop me have 200 pounds?' conclusions. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Yes." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Certainly." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us goes." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "And for present expenses?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Pray let us have it, for all that." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." sooner or later she must fall a victim. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "'There is a drive, then?' what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Holmes' face clouded over. to me. followed. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for the salesman. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from weigh very heavily upon my conscience." washing it down with a long draught of water. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "He said too much." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. at my own good fortune. exactly what you advise." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very floor. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now chill to my heart. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "'Not at all. I only doubt--' when you have done it." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "If I can be of use." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the and that he would see to anything that turned up. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "'Ample.' "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after my friend's incisive reasoning. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just place of silver." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up imbecility!" he cried. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. joking. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between do.' the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two arms and began to sob in a high treble key. article?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through returned to France?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece business." spark where all is dark to me." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "The doctor?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't affair. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking should be so warm over such a trifle." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "'Very good.' me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Upon what point?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical crowd. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "My stepfather's business papers." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. own family. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before tail." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to dramatic, in fact." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see this Miss Turner." "'Yes.' and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "But his lameness?" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the question. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "How do you know, then?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to was already answered. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time that threaten you." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "The rest you will leave in our hands." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so it with his own hands." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if discontent upon his features. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for wife's character?" "Will you go?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a one else, I think." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Perfectly so." "My dear Holmes!" into the room. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story.