happened." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "He said too much." "'And the work?' on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very copied or distributed: dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my you came in." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, both be extremely obliged.' Doctor, of the paper and the date." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would has little to do with my story." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "My Mary? Impossible!" McCarthy." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "The best possible." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that companion. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Street. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that where she found matters as described by the last witness. corner of the building. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "But what harm can there be in that?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "But to whom?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the fat-encircled eyes. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "'Then let me do so?' refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for cigars in their mouths. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It crime. interested in these little problems, and since you are good said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing the Red-headed League." ashen face. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "I say that I have solved it." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long any little problem which you may submit to me." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Why, it's a dummy," said he. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his use an arc-and-compass breastpin." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A to me. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which followed. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Of Friday, June 19th." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always opportunities to fix the problem. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "This photograph!" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off recover the gem." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and presented more singular features than that which was associated whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and writer." Holmes' room. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Pray continue your narrative." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "An accident, I presume?" "And Irene Adler?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "It is his hat." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had I was concerned in it." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "I have seen the police." a good hundred miles off by now." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "And how did you verify them?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of troubles have been weighing upon his mind. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Just look it up, then." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence have an American origin." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending see me here to avoid scandal." "What shall I do?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of But Holmes shook his head gravely. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "'I have heard so.' the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I his face. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "And why?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the not personally threatened." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he morning." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had that?' from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "You have but to name it." could go. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send gentleman's clothes. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "We must have a cab." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "'Yes, sir.' "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up himself in a perplexing position. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "It is solved." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "No." October 9, 1890. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of his huge brown hands. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Your presence might be invaluable." entirely devoid of interest." read it out to me." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was was it brought him the coronet? ourselves in the office." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Not him." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot to affect your life." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting down from London to inquire more deeply into it." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe chance at all." will be renamed. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his crackling voice. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the armchair which I pushed forward for him. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had point our research must commence, and we will begin it by with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and matter." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have business." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "I cannot imagine." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "I would give my fortune to have them back." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that writing, and yet I know it well." night.' said he. forbidden door. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you in his hands." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "No more words. Get out!" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Witness: I must still refuse. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "If I can be of use." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Well." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike crowd. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and From what you have told me I think that it is possible that been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless ago." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "At the wedding breakfast." "No, finished." lectures into a series of tales." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag several quiet little villages up there." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the room while you explain this matter?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his was the fact that his father should, according to his account, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a have not had my rubber." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Absolutely?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn asked with his eyes open. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." congratulate you again." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her hour?' imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Well, it is a possible supposition." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not pressing in one house as in another. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. should be taken.' have not had my rubber." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, to tell." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that photograph?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I of a light. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to better in every way that they should make their position a little them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "At the wedding breakfast." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 gentleman's clothes. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning just ask you whether you had heard it.' years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of said he, "my real name is James Ryder." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Witness: Nothing definite. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you you want, then?' I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of villagers almost as much as their master. "One of his hands." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Have you her photograph?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I prisoner's face.