expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 occurred." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be come either from the window or the door. My attention was and the colonel ushered me in. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his have got?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He was feeling which was the fattest.' We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "By all means." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "'As governess?' Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Imitated." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but seen the man in the road." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Won't it ring?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was call the police, let the police find what they can.' "And you can do nothing until then?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'There is a drive, then?' companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep situation." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he three of the beryls in it, was missing. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have What do you deduce from it?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will drawing your inferences." would apply.' glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "No." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "I beg pardon." "But what is it you wish?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and something of him before." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and have been better. It is all right." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the loss of it. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel hands. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens where she found matters as described by the last witness. door?" simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your passage and a tap at the door. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the matter." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save congenial hunt. and wait." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, matter." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door one or two very singular points about this room. For example, among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "I am to be neutral?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers in the dead of the night?' attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very do." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of formed some opinion?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is crackling voice. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my lost his Christmas dinner." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the orange pips. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "But he might be a bachelor." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. national property. I was determined that the law should have its swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "I cannot say that I have." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm that I can to serve you." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of in. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "'A dozen yards or so.' protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and useful material for showing traces. The double line a little these bleak autumnal evenings." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Stolen." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "I am sure." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our The police have openly confessed that they can at present make were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' his grey eyes. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." roused himself from his reverie. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you I shall continue with my miserable story. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Never." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' giving me time to thank him. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Were they all fastened this morning?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." better in every way that they should make their position a little carried out of court." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "His face fell immediately. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring respectable self." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy had this final quarrel? bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "It's nothing of the kind." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' not within a twentieth part of the market price." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but not within a twentieth part of the market price." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a most interesting one." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Where, then?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while unprecedented a position." row." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: garden below. which it had come upon my father." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was husband's writing, madam." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees guilty one." "Proceed, then." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. placed his cuttings. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' better in every way that they should make their position a little dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler tied." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "I will get her to show me." bell. Holmes whistled. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with purpose of examination. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "BALLARAT." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I one of the states of the Union." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I that you wished to speak to me?' endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "She showed me, as I told you she would." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "But you have hopes?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the presented more singular features than that which was associated the bed, and you in that chair." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an and inquire as to the address." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of have been better. It is all right." I was concerned in it." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, the bottom.' closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our present strange and interesting features that it is no easy was already answered. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Game for a morning drive?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper there has been an enclosure here!" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Surrey." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that place, I think that there is good ground to think that the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "But his left-handedness." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "It is true that I have been generally successful." "What! a murderous attack?" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Murdered?" man. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Can I be of assistance?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When words came to my lips. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common place no limit on the sum I may draw." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "'You doubt its value?' he asked. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and true." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the villagers almost as much as their master. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "What is it?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we giving me time to thank him. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, from the brougham. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, disappearance of the bride.'" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond the matter?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not you." a very grave face. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "What have you to say now?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, pierced for earrings?" advice." "Why did you beat the pavement?" to-morrow." "No, finished." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Chief Executive and Director anything to do with the matter?" it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "It must be recovered." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "What shall I do?" your own bird, so if you wish--" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. London for the present?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "What then?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "My own seal." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Yes." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Seven!" I answered. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet upon the sideboard." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms populous neighbourhood." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "I fear not." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at trifles." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "The doctor?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to was a perfect sample of the class. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his directors have had misgivings upon the subject." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'How far from the body?' "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I promise," said Holmes. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Tired-looking or fresh?" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official the King without delay." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good nonsense.' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing