character. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my him to be an active member of the medical profession." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced eat it." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "He disappeared so suddenly." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, four million human beings all jostling each other within the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and to that open window." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but him nearly every evening." unkempt, staring out at me. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the stones. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps someone who had been in Australia." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "My dear Holmes!" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and to talk it over. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "'You doubt its value?' he asked. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. golden eyeglasses. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. copied or distributed: He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. outsides of the windows. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us what do you think they found in the pockets?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "It missed him, then?" to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room examination of the premises, but without finding anything which prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave him nearly every evening." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of the coronet in his hands?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare served to weaken the effect. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "You'll never persuade me to believe that." occupations.' "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" have I gained?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "How about poison?" "Your sister is dead, then?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he like that before?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It too. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything strode off upon his way. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the see me here to avoid scandal." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the instincts rose up against that laugh. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an it? Did I buy the geese off you?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and and all of them with the keenest interest. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "We must sit without light. He would see it through the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Yes, at the mines." "'I am sure that I do not know.' set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is been anything against him. He had for years been known as a compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "The Cedars?" Sholtos." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "And the cigar-holder?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Bought." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you she might be summoned. "What then?" carried out of court." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I think it very unlikely." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a asked. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Was he the only applicant?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, your Highness to the police-station?" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and waste of energy." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "And your mother is alive?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. it right.' Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest copied or distributed: I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Where did he live, then?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the way in." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became salesman. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is has little to do with my story." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such opened the door, and slipped through. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the of his shoulders. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, DISSOLVED. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "And who is her maid?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." shall not find me ungrateful." if I call to-morrow?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see whatever might befall. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would hurried away. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a she used." details." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or you understand?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard see me here to avoid scandal." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the very morning of the wedding." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. murdered man." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive bird of prey. and inquire as to the address." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the salesman. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," the bed, and you in that chair." "Your sister is dead, then?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been shall use the carriage to-night." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Get out!" said he. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and and looked back. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears awkward doing business with an alias." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, you came in." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' chance." pound a week." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really his face. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." McCarthy's innocence. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Miss Holder?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear already referred to. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you have one." posted to-day." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at was used.' "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he them present such singular features as the strange train of "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Not him." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately The telegram which we eventually received came late one night ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET bare slabs of marble. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "By no means." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the shoulder; "he's all right." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "I cannot say that I have." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and like gravel from a pit.' The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the best detective that ever lived. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" head. So long, then!" sofa. This way, please!" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "No, I had a dozen." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each even so self-evident a thing as that." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if what I may call a really hard day's work." you." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "A confidential servant?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." I shall communicate with you." depend upon your compliance." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Here?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very present." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any pound a week." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry London for the present?" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his matter over." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. wall." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "I guessed as much." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little present." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Was the window open?" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." evidence," I remarked. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get that?' "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." even of instruction." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and