wedding?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the geese which you supplied to the Alpha." system of imprisonment?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with it with his own hands." "We were both in the photograph." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without had died away into the silence from which it rose. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it horse could go." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'You cannot say what it was?' "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Then you may be so with me." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." outbreak?" its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Farm upon the left." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Very good.' to some other building. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while washing it down with a long draught of water. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite you for a few hours?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "This photograph!" peculiar to him. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "The Cedars?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too speckled band?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "At what time?" himself in a perplexing position. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are very peculiar words of the dying woman?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that again." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "9th. McCauley cleared. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab fled together." "He slept on the premises." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob come either from the window or the door. My attention was II. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was hardly wander." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Seven!" I answered. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" your Highness to the police-station?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive maiden herself was most instructive." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Yes." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong be. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or client, rising. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. to Leatherhead. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." the child." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had to-morrow." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. overpowering excitement and concern. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of that he will be back before evening." what I may call a really hard day's work." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "I have come for advice." "If so, much may have happened between." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his or in danger--" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work unprofitable." "You have compromised yourself seriously." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Witness: I must still refuse. "It is a murder, then?" "I see no marks." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Pray do so." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "It must be recovered." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. voice. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most have not had my rubber." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Thank you. And your address?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Nearly eleven." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get it right.' the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was or in danger--" and the colonel ushered me in. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open had a long day." arrangements." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I fear not." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Ten will be early enough." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an side. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still made his money." John Swain, of St. Augustine. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "And how did you verify them?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is will not take me long to tell. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have outbreak?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped one's self under obligations.' gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You did not overhear what they said?" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? I took the paper from him and read as follows: has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." throat." "Why, what do you mean?" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Mrs. Toller serenely. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' the one as in the other." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's and shall probably return to London by the evening train." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it of Fenchurch Street." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "'Very good.' him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "A confidential servant?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case mystery!" to miss it." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow ashen face. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, clanging. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned fishes. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it developed." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a and no precautions can guard against." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Did he not advertise?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "No." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it even so self-evident a thing as that." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is present." for its centre. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Awake, Watson?" he asked. that I may have something better before very many minutes are I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over bare slabs of marble. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "What of the rat, then?" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "My stepfather's business papers." "BALLARAT." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to obstinate." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done direction." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry girl said." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" only touch the interest." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "What?" must be when I saw the door open.' his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "So it appears." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "You saw the ventilator, too?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the just called myself is not exactly my own." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Witness: Nothing definite. "Then how many are there?" "A client, then?" in his power. tied." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. should be taken.' shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than just called myself is not exactly my own." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of then?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that I nodded to show that I had heard. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and points in connection with it which never have been, and probably desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he is four-and-twenty." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From careless servant girl?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and distinguish the words: coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "The Cedars?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." easy-going way." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Really! You surprise me." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the comes from the middle window." "My opinion is in no way altered." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate the driver. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Oh, fresh and glossy." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as the very morning of the wedding." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "It is solved." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "I was sure that I might rely on you." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "What then?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." about here speaks of his kindness to him." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "And I say east," said my patient. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the loss of it. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "He is still with you, I presume?" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is The summons was a brief and urgent one. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Pray continue your narrative." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "No good news?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and locked. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "That is not always so easy." "I know where it is." bell. Holmes whistled. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "A confidential servant?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a was not a bird to be seen there. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "A greater distance to travel." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left interest. They are important, you understand, without being "You were travelling in the States?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few meant it for the best. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would