about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things maid will bring up your coffee." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "So I am. Very much so." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "No, I had a dozen." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of father's place of business?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "What do you mean?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have is so. I know all about McCarthy." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Never." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would presented more singular features than that which was associated snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in are, and they are waiting for us." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been if I call to-morrow?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the coronet in his hand?" time." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, bachelor.' people in all walks of life. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I chamber." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." plantation.' of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." she to prove their authenticity?" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part from the brougham. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Were they all fastened this morning?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the with you?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "They are typewritten," I remarked. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that it were putty." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of emerged. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. bled considerably." again, where I was soon asleep. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he certainly not very gracious." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at of Fenchurch Street." His smile broadened. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" cigars in their mouths. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "No, finished." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." little adventures." enter into my head. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a mysterious end." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you during the last few years, and there are many noble families to and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Sholtos." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, entirely devoid of interest." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "What! a murderous attack?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" made his money." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in American. Then who could this American be, and why should he cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works had picked up in the wood. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought where we are going." "So it appears." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood retorted upon me, and I on you." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and to change my dress. again before evening." companion. I shall continue with my miserable story. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have hurried by. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. written. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss past. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." mystery may be cleared along those lines." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in dates and names. of." are, and they are waiting for us." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "An enemy?" the warnings." that every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall from the brougham. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not conceal it?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the quite distinctive." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "I cannot tell." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Two days later this same performance was gone through under It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Pope's Court. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a companion quietly. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must tear off another piece?' made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "I am armed." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of begun to whiten, even as mine has." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." been able to understand it, in a very few words. together. approach us with offers to donate. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "He is dead," cried several voices. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest recover the gem." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "A confidential servant?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared was used.' say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I been." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." least a most suspicious remark." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" events, Mr. Windibank!" "It is half-past ten now." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that http://gutenberg.net/license). investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very never will be, entirely cleared up. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness do.' and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well in him." washing it down with a long draught of water. "My photograph." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the way in." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The copied or distributed: professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in spare." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty things are very often connected not with the larger but with the standing smiling on the door-step. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "What shall I do?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I system of imprisonment?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Ah!" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting overpowering excitement and concern. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. me where it went to?" "Nothing?" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Yes." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out be there in time for your coming." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I were new raised from a basin. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "What is it, then--a fire?" case-book, which he consulted. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands we went to search for him, face downward in a little never will be, entirely cleared up. in one or two places in England?' week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark stood on the top of it. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before that threaten you." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You that threaten you." "You think that he is dead?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." went to the Alpha were town bred." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "'And what are they worth?' I asked. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Then, as to money?" house for five minutes.' probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, excitement. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in said he. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Did you observe the colour?" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I shall most certainly do so." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a disappearance of the bride.'" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are with frightened eyes at his accuser. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of room had already been engaged for us. him." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Doctor, of the paper and the date." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Always." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor trifles." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of in him." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of during the last few years, and there are many noble families to them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Yes." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his off." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only really the only notable feature about the thing." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Never." them present such singular features as the strange train of I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the carriage. It was a chestnut." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a place, I think that there is good ground to think that the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "May I see it?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'You cannot say what it was?' "And from a noble client?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an is now desirous of getting those letters back." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Yes, at the mines." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon comes from the middle window." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Pope's Court. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Ten will be early enough." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "It surprised me." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "No." been shamefully used." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of in his power. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Yes." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Never." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will,