revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had tell me that you intended to go into harness." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they to have that photograph." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves distance from the station, and there we found the young lady Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, friend's singular character. shall not find me ungrateful." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave shag which I had seen upon the previous night. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. business at Coburg Square is serious." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Was she in good spirits?" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, disturbance in my wife." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "'Most admirably.' heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "No." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of records." morning." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper observed. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John might help us?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him careless servant girl?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout His name is Francis Prosper." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, residence of the great financier. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "And your father? Did you tell him?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for what do you think they found in the pockets?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an children over to America with him, so that I found myself without returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. three of the beryls in it, was missing. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Eh? What was that?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining some city in a dream. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would pressing in one house as in another. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Munro.' "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Why, what do you mean?" British peeress.'" my friend's incisive reasoning. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is call the police, let the police find what they can.' his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "From his hat?" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "How can you tell that?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away works. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "The gentleman I describe." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" to you." attention." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the nursery. been with you?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a absolutely follow my advice in every respect." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged very peculiar words of the dying woman?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "'In my own bureau.' propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' reach." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would call it cruel." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Well, but China?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Then I am your man." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet my little problems." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, companion. "By no means." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We people don't know." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we indiscretion." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said at my remark. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I kindly on the shoulder. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small reach." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Yes, at the mines." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with article?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'And the work?' respectable self." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds green of the new foliage. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this other lovers by making love himself." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat you in your example." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts burst into a hearty fit of laughter. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks Holmes." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the wanted for ourselves." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated companion. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My the morning and make my own way in the world.' 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "'I have already given you my word.' case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the colonel looking down at me. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "To ruin me." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged window when the police appeared." very morning of my second wedding." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "A thing like a cleaver," said he. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, criminal. We have already had experience of such." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had room had already been engaged for us. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "'You doubt its value?' he asked. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "That is it on the dressing-table." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil them?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself waste of energy." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go I. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "And what did you learn from him?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "What have you done?" asked Holmes. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not bore every mark of being an average commonplace British her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Chief Executive and Director now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have outside." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Eyford." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the the stable lane now." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being interest. They are important, you understand, without being to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. paper in the air. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied out of this horrible affair." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two closely." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, hair?' his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "But of what society?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the loss of it. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, charge against him will break down." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain keep the flames under. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the there!' "Stolen, then." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I beg pardon." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Yes." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear neither fascinating nor artistic." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, to talk it over. it." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well next day. "I should like to see him very much." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Yes, the wine-cellar." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "And is that all?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "One?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, upon the white wrist. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing detective. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Does that suggest anything?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long must compliment you." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "My photograph." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at over here." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Dark enough and sinister enough." Stoke Moran." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never note?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "10th. John Swain cleared. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "On the contrary, this is the right side." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to The police have openly confessed that they can at present make accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote and have this put in the evening papers." "It must be recovered." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save as he folded up the epistle. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And will take you up to see the machine.' daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose flock.' a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the iron safe, which he closed upon it. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat legal crime." me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence him, that man would not have given me such complete information with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "It is his hat." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's to that open window." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after been deceived." to surprise her." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under bell. Holmes whistled. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was questionable one." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he himself in a perplexing position. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "No." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "At the wedding breakfast." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. neither fascinating nor artistic." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a