up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Eyford at 11:15.' on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates writing, and yet I know it well." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always companion imperturbably. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "My dear Holmes!" swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "By no means." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "We were both in the photograph." "An enemy?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" entirely lost his self-respect." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the good for you to do.' "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Sutherland?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the heavy and sharp instrument." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "How did you deduce the select?" passage and a tap at the door. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." meant." his knees, staring into the fire. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is recall any case within my experience which looked at the first matters immensely." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. know that the truth is known." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion a little more before I quite committed myself. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "What then?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! roused himself from his reverie. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "I would give my fortune to have them back." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard face and glided from the room. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, said he at last. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "No, I am descending." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "There is the writing." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my business?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "No." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently companion imperturbably. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible that threaten you." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Street. could not have written that. It is the German who is so willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Absolutely none." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "It is possible." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be drawing your inferences." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "'I have heard so.' conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Was he the only applicant?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, the ceiling. "Just look it up, then." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the nursery. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen spare." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be brain must have something in it." bled considerably." noble correspondent could be. electronic works bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "This concluded the examination of the witness." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the morning and make my own way in the world.' knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" into the room. who was a member of your goose club." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into to you." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing business came to an end." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "No more words. Get out!" in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Yes." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the the window, rose as we entered. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the bed, and you in that chair." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such approach us with offers to donate. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "A call for help, you thought?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Won't it ring?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can hard-headed British jury." to Leatherhead. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Yes." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "No, finished." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "At what time?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never think that he is innocent?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "What can you not understand?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where had formerly been in part my own. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with children over to America with him, so that I found myself without sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he way in everything. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a to-night?' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "I have seen the police." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some friends, not even his own brother. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "And why?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into never will be, entirely cleared up. or in danger--" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a possible that we could bring him back to her? that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous roused himself from his reverie. "Here?" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he particular state visit http://pglaf.org hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Of Friday, June 19th." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "What! You do not mean bodies?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. nonsense.' "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Not particularly." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates into the bag, and made for the door. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not who was a member of your goose club." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "None." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held written, and locked the door of the office after me. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a done what I asked you, Jones?" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after matter over." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "It's nothing of the kind." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Dr. Gregory B. Newby there!' has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, one or two very singular points about this room. For example, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to deduce something from that?" system of imprisonment?" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend kindly on the shoulder. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to events, Mr. Windibank!" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with digesting their breakfasts at home." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you my room." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at this Miss Turner." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small tightly behind him. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Holmes. "Here?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where shag which I had seen upon the previous night. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in man. I know him from the photograph." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Then I do not see the point." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Which are?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "But not more so than I to find you." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. will be renamed. the Assizes." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past done what I asked you, Jones?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss me. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on and that he would see to anything that turned up. conduct the inquiry." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "There is the writing." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Of what?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'I have heard so.' will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "And did you observe any change in her then?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "And you can do nothing until then?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and British peeress.'" carried out of court." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties stood on the top of it. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "What have you done?" asked Holmes. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I arrested. You then--" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Yes, he did." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and It may be so in this case, also." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' became a certainty. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client was used.' she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Mary, has deserted me." "Perhaps we may make them less so." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "And for present expenses?" "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The there was no need for father to know." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Nothing." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, delighted to hear it," he said. you." there!' I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away you do it in twenty minutes!' "Yes." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was the driver. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason assist you in forming an opinion." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. with frightened eyes at his accuser. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." room. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." helping a boy to put up the shutters. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm approach us with offers to donate. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the I leave." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with than was visible to me." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Certainly." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "One of the highest in England." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the