therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "No, finished." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough a very grave face. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed at once, for I have only half an hour." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a she used." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "In which, sir?" "Stolen." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were knowledge of the world." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger hopeless attempt at recovering them." chair. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and were wasted." "Was there a secret marriage?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and address. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "How can you tell that?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "What then?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand three of the beryls in it, was missing. "The landlord of the Alpha." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing speckled band?" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "The vanishing of the lady." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it get her out of the way." of your young ladies.' centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a wall." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "The best possible." have not had my rubber." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "You have the photograph?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that even so self-evident a thing as that." danger is over." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. indeed which he could not unravel. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the guilty one." "'I have heard so.' hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, joking. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Does that suggest anything?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not and inquire as to the address." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid page at http://pglaf.org livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which written, and locked the door of the office after me. have got?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he families. Now for the facts. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." congenial hunt. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who paper in the air. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility 1.F. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I came to find a friend." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "My dear Holmes!" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "What?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he went to the Alpha were town bred." the date of his supposed suicide." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment power." for the market.' brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the gbnewby@pglaf.org across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would true." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Why did you pick him?" retorted upon me, and I on you." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Did you observe the colour?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "You think so, too?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "But of what society?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and been with you?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, get the tickets." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite grasp, he hurried from the room. public press." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, there!' "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who this unhappy family?" the King without delay." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "What have you to say now?" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we forebodings. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "I think it very unlikely." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the coronet in his hands?" our word." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot hands. power." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "We must have a cab." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, voice, changing her seat as requested. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "The King of Scandinavia." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain against a man in the prime of life?" "Where, then?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six was used.' came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my cigar and let me expound." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." certainly not very gracious." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return of his shoulders. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a has little to do with my story." already referred to. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's entirely devoid of interest." tell him that I know him to be innocent." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that sit on the left-hand side of the driver." records." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He you." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room letters?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock up this clue while it is still hot." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of showing my impatience. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday during which he might have communicated with his friend the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss shaken than I had ever seen him. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in I have it here in my museum." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. cigars in their mouths. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the matter over." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. would then never go into court at all." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a it. a monotonous occupation." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as late!' can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl even so self-evident a thing as that." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry back to my heart. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Yes." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit one else, I think." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send companion. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried evidence," I remarked. posted to-day." page at http://pglaf.org "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very locked. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I do." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable look dissatisfied." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the http://gutenberg.net/license). sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "None. Neville wrote those words." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "My last client of the sort was a king." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly know what is wrong with it.' away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Did you observe the colour?" "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "No good news?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the address that was given us in the advertisement. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Entirely." "I will, Miss Turner." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Mrs. Toller serenely. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not crowd. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, unprecedented a position." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my His name is Francis Prosper." himself. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving meant it for the best. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have since then to throw any light upon what became of him." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Holmes' thin, eager face. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to fear." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little which our visitor detailed to us. case before our client came into the room." "And Miss Sutherland?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid maid will bring up your coffee."