road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Arthur Conan Doyle at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the night.' said he. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "In which, sir?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. do you make of it all?" you do it in twenty minutes!' "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. do." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: allusion to a rat. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had photograph?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. The summons was a brief and urgent one. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled there!' "Eh? What was that?" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this This is what he says: always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "No." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the guilty parties." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "It surprised me." bird of prey. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Married! When?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" corner of the building. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear III. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "And leave your case unfinished?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth in the hope of finding them." appointment with me for six o'clock?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the devil!" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the other lovers by making love himself." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "A confidential servant?" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since dates and names. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily be there in time for your coming." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the upon the shelf for the interim." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem way in." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from directors have had misgivings upon the subject." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Do you go out much in society?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "From his hat?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before to have that photograph." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Whose house is it?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Countess of Morcar's?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Did you become engaged then?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is very old mansion. an introduction to him?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Your presence might be invaluable." matter." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves not personally threatened." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "No bad?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "He is still with you, I presume?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a astonishment. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the cigar and let me expound." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely started for the Temple to see my husband. affair. Literary Archive Foundation "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "But it has twice been burgled." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any bonnet, and went out." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs that I may have something better before very many minutes are to have that photograph." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has not come at once?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "You don't mind breaking the law?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "We must have a cab." "ARAT," I read. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. which we had just quitted. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the felt?" "By no means." him." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Doctor, of the paper and the date." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the Friday. Was it to be in church?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "What steps will you take?" I asked. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." discontent upon his features. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "You have the photograph?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled against a man in the prime of life?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles been able to understand it, in a very few words. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "No, I think that I'll take it." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "None." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert vault. "I will, Miss Turner." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally was it brought him the coronet? shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "But your client--" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am there has been an enclosure here!" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger window when the police appeared." unclasping of his long thin hands. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "What have you to say now?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend ill-usage at the hands of fortune. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to signal between you and your father? with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "If I can be of use." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the paper in the air. you." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out forbidden door. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which strode off upon his way. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "'I shall certainly be there.' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Yes." upon the sideboard." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "The vanishing of the lady." "Did he not advertise?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom gone before you can get him to hospital." closely." points to suicide?" and looked back. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. it." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her these bleak autumnal evenings." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Pool. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which learned something! Where are the gems?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "And the cigar-holder?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And that the gas is not laid on in his house?" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my cigar and let me expound." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Holmes rather sternly. "I never have." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is to-night's adventure." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by spare." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Yes, all." "Then you may entirely rely on me." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Yes, it would be as well." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "But what harm can there be in that?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere this man was intellectual?" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Then I do not see the point." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove tell him that I know him to be innocent." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I guessed as much." fasten all the windows?" "But what will you do?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a and I shall be with you presently." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Stolen, then." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" criminal. We have already had experience of such." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! see a sister of mine apply for." happened." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "No." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "What! You do not mean bodies?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Pray be precise as to details," said he. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon suddenly upon us." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very on re-entering her father's house?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "The King of Scandinavia." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily problems help me to do so." again, where I was soon asleep. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the just ask you whether you had heard it.' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "None." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed and effective." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Yes, certainly." "I am to be neutral?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think,