"No." "The gentleman I describe." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a was used.' familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "None." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "I never have." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "No, my brougham is waiting." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man recover the gem." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Edgeware Road. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "You horrify me." floor. asked. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very leaning back in his chair. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Look there!" said he. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who ventilator." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can the one as in the other." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "By no means." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Does that suggest anything?" "But I am all in the dark." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather subject to the trademark license, especially commercial I am not easy in my mind about them." "Then I shall certainly come." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a before the coroner and the police-court." "'Yes, it was gone.' Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and gigantic client. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "I think that it is very probable." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London one else, I think." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "And is that all?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: 11:15.' recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "His face fell immediately. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "No, thank goodness, she did not." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your was lame." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Yes." whether it answered to the description of any of their right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must like gravel from a pit.' keep the flames under. problems help me to do so." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, just ask you whether you had heard it.' face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "'What then?' I asked. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. secret." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative me have 200 pounds?' ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity III. "But his lameness?" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Farm upon the left." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' something of him before." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "That you are never beaten." "Always." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the bed, and you in that chair." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a death." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to important." "I would pay ten." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I My friend smiled. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that said I. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the such person." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very own family. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "No, I had a dozen." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in quick march!" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared several quiet little villages up there." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Could he throw no light?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the key of the affair now." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Nothing." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He people don't know." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "It is solved." time." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a with you alone." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the his face. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the the salesman. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to a monotonous occupation." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace said he. "I am armed." "What is it, then--a fire?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "You horrify me!" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was with her." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "On your arm?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss and shall probably return to London by the evening train." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose the driver. you?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Is he quiet?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I have come for advice." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from character. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to coroner's jury." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "But how?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I should wish to." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two John Swain, of St. Augustine. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Ah!" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there is four-and-twenty." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, mystery." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, ready to-morrow?' in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their hurried by. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, enter Dr. Roylott's room." there was no need for father to know." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "That's no good." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up some place of shelter and let the county police know what has you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon garden below. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Murdered?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, to miss it." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is arrested. You then--" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, had formerly been in part my own. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' several quiet little villages up there." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have a little more before I quite committed myself. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Yes, only one." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his true." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, upon the white wrist. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported such person." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is down. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and attention." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have his knees, staring into the fire. of Mr. Rucastle's." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Countess of Morcar's?" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out read it out to me." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is round and wave him away like that.' snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young of this gang." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon The police have openly confessed that they can at present make at a side door. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little ourselves in the office." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Was your sister dressed?" would then never go into court at all." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and woman who has had her own way to make in the world. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his words came to my lips. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Certainly." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" again before evening." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "I will try. What is it?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Well, it is a possible supposition." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, voice. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the fait accompli?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Here?" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed again on its way. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency speckled band?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more exactly what you advise." "What then?" whereabouts. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" I was concerned in it." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "So it appears." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Watson," he said cordially. over with notes and figures. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Absolutely?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious not, dad?" she asked. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "'Not at all. I only doubt--' dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it at once, for I have only half an hour." cause to be."