preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Has he come with you to-night?" "'Ten to two.' the roots. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and young Openshaw's." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these beg that you will break it off." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide reach." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to What do you deduce from it?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout as noiselessly as she had come. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: silent! Oh, he will be silent!' waste of energy." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Yes?" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling existence." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "He is still with you, I presume?" "Of Friday, June 19th." from the brougham. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Where to?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. his face. "That also I could fathom." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was one of them." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "She told me to ask you." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving guilty one." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of for and were ordered to this address. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." voice, changing her seat as requested. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I recover the gem." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these an introduction to him?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but be. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." I think that I could be of assistance to you." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of out." and put his glass in his pocket. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on My friend smiled. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." he died? "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Of what day?" instituted." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly stood on the top of it. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is my secret was safe in his possession. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any as noiselessly as she had come. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from will he say when he returns?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I the matter?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email stood on the top of it. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I lectures into a series of tales." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming meant." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say recall any case within my experience which looked at the first infinite languor in his face. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by once more for Briony Lodge. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet thirty. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back me where it went to?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "And you can do nothing until then?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master me upon any point which I do not make clear." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for you, my dear young lady?' every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Certainly." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Dr. Becher's." "Entirely." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured It may be so in this case, also." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as imbecility!" he cried. events, Mr. Windibank!" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has not within a twentieth part of the market price." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square in him." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, there has been an enclosure here!" started for the Temple to see my husband. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "By all means." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for appeared upon the scene." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong row." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back details should find their way into the papers. Inspector thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "But how will you look?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Sholtos." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so present." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Yes, it would be as well." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do village inn over there?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Henry Baker is a member." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my gone. the night.' be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his most interesting one." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his foot. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call dates and names. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "'Most admirably.' electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Yes." "Why, what do you mean?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned I nodded again. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Well, it is a possible supposition." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up true." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk I. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "And I." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this into her hand at the door and which lured her within their again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the papers must be those that are destroyed.' the house with me." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "It is his hat." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "The gentleman I describe." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were touch that coronet?' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "No more words. Get out!" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Did he not advertise?" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "And sit in the dark?" been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from to a light-house. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you never to learn it at all." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' towards the blaze. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, might have a private word with us. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "But what will you do?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Yes." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing went to the Alpha were town bred." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole closing the door. remarked. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the mystery." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the stable lane now." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "He is dead," cried several voices. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away to you." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We undoubtedly my uncle's." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not down. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by emerged. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "My own seal." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "The Coroner: What do you mean? down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': Holmes. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring one else, I think." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with His name is Francis Prosper." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass of Mr. Rucastle's." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Farm upon the left." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? upon the sideboard." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the matter?" "The murder was done with it." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. six. Come in!" "And the cigar-holder?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of weapon." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even likely to be some crony of the landlady's." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. this man was intellectual?" aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you more solid." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point noting anything else of interest. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not with you?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from believe that I should never have any practice at all. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "An accident, I presume?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Come in!" said he.