to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. giving me time to thank him. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must would then never go into court at all." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak breakfast." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." tightly behind him. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in bonnet, and went out." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "'And what are they worth?' I asked. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at since then to throw any light upon what became of him." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them possible that we could bring him back to her? stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Where to?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "It is very kind of you." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a is," said he presently: about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my absorbing." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "And now?" I asked. "But it has twice been burgled." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you with you?" rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned which our visitor detailed to us. "'Oh, no.' the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel back into the street. locked. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public into the room. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. joking. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." throat." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your all that?" up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had your room." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "I am in hopes that she does." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that your billet.' province." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her words came to my lips. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I what do you think they found in the pockets?" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "And sit in the dark?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. the address that was given us in the advertisement. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Doctor, of the paper and the date." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "One of his hands." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "What is it?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "But your client--" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and sound at heart." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the sake, don't!" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time writers could invent nothing more crude." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in leaning back in his chair. "I am about to be married." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, conclusions. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second allusion to a rat. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "No legal papers or certificates?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, case before our client came into the room." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the weighed down with some great anxiety. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out shaken than I had ever seen him. ago." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of works. See paragraph 1.E below. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to directly by questioning you." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of and looked back. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason memory. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring go back?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that with you?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "How did that help you?" said he. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his problems help me to do so." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out such attractions and accomplishments?' time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Yes, at the mines." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would retorted upon me, and I on you." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Yes, it would be as well." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in his eyes and forehead. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "And I say east," said my patient. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "No." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end of this gang." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "But of what society?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Leave Paddington by the 11:15." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their eat it." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Nothing." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had enter into my head. "Breckinridge is his name." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than keep the flames under. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a crime." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the address that was given us in the advertisement. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' like that before?" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Pool. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a with her." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do returned to France?" "Yes. He waved his hands." was it brought him the coronet? like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "In answer to an advertisement." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a my secret was safe in his possession. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. never will be, entirely cleared up. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and power." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, man. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready outsides of the windows. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his crime." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Who by?" How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." room. if she died from some sudden fright." "You know me, then?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Yes, he did." "On Monday." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Holmes." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the stones. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that corner of the building. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" man. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had that there was nothing in it, after all." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Precisely so. But how--" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "I will get her to show me." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave it means?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Was she in good spirits?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know off." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "I have solved it." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the again on its way. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That me what he had done with the three missing stones. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters rose-bushes. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just hardly wander." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "And you thought he was pulled back?" rat could hardly pass through." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De said I. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you with you?" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part too. the one as in the other." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the your equipment. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Then I am your man." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Where to?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the against a man in the prime of life?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the with her." it." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the him to go away.' for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "But your client--" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have desk. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "I have seen the police." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "9th. McCauley cleared. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "You have carte blanche." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." I was concerned in it." chill to my heart. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than what is your own theory as to what took place?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his chance at all." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his key of the affair now." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's open." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows,