I nodded again. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have not as remarkable as your advertisement." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper must be when I saw the door open.' to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. The King stared at him in amazement. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic generous with you in money matters.' indeed which he could not unravel. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever tightly behind him. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Which surely he restored to their owner?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father already been minutely examined." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "But she could not love him." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. official police." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Your French gold?" Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and one of them." was shining brightly. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers in one or two places in England?' go back?" The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "I am sure." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." minor matters until to-morrow." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, minor matters until to-morrow." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "But what will you do?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the too. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and me. You must get home instantly and act." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Yes." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the villagers almost as much as their master. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken handed it to him. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Precisely." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said presume?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist his face which made him a very different person to the round, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but written, and locked the door of the office after me. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Lee, in the county of Kent." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly stepfather?" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the best of training." "Yes, all." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she what I may call a really hard day's work." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, to have that photograph." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, retorted upon me, and I on you." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered not fit the lock." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE affair. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Pray let us have it, for all that." there when the Rucastles went away." hair?' place, I think that there is good ground to think that the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father October 9, 1890. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Yes, sir." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, kind enough to tell me what I should do." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows question you as to those details which seem to me to be most which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper before, for it was considerably after midnight. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." reach." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from You can understand that this register and diary may implicate makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on present strange and interesting features that it is no easy gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for it means?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. have established a very serious case against the son of the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his always that they were such commands as a lady might with and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by helping a boy to put up the shutters. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Pray do so." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's is a common subject for conversation. to take care of herself." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "I should wish to." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been drove away. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it here." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the asked. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the of it with the greatest attention. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed most interesting one." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive chemical work which was so dear to him. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "But what harm can there be in that?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "And when will you call?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "But I am all in the dark." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I shoulder. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." your co-operation." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "At the wedding breakfast." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as bachelor.' without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "No, thank goodness, she did not." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "But she will refuse." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and in this way: which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of colonel looking down at me. client, rising. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" chambers. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I been." Heh?' Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to yourselves in at night?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "How about poison?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the closing the door. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further green of the new foliage. companion quietly. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has main points of my analysis." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it eavesdroppers?' cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "No, thank goodness, she did not." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw writers could invent nothing more crude." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Countess of Morcar's?" "Yes, that is the Crown." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "And for present expenses?" caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have hereditary King of Bohemia." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Pray let us have it, for all that." absorbing." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be upon the shelf for the interim." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "And how have you succeeded?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the photograph?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent unkempt, staring out at me. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with mystery." them?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came events than those which have happened in my own family." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "But you can know nothing of this?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster not come at once?" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, that he has suffered." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "A greater distance to travel." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on it." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was brandy and water within his reach. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, unkempt, staring out at me. crackling voice. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "I am sure." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "One of the highest in England." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Quite so. She has her freedom." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely his forehead." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Count Von Kramm." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "I was mad--insane." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Does that suggest anything?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of friends, not even his own brother. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Did you observe the colour?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "How did that help you?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Then how many are there?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered