the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the know what is wrong with it.' "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Yes, the wine-cellar." stammered. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was prisoner's face. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as where we are going." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only absolutely follow my advice in every respect." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his a room. I took the paper from him and read as follows: know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'Not at all. I only doubt--' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "One of his hands." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have there has been an enclosure here!" "Precisely." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. way in everything. and your relations to her." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of name is different." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "An enemy?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds brought there to personate someone, and the real person is Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the coronet in his hands?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with of your young ladies.' "'As governess?' make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Why? What do you mean?" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and you want, then?' to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "I never have." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "How about poison?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. bill, which interests me deeply." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Game for a morning drive?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it come either from the window or the door. My attention was and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on wife's character?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." is a common subject for conversation. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. again before evening." chamber." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which upon the sideboard." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Could he throw no light?" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning possible that we could bring him back to her? farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been chambers. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel memory. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I never have." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love could not account in any way for the presence of the missing was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. second." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us union?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my fear." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." murdered man." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, over with notes and figures. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his be best to do. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Yes, from Horsham." to Leatherhead. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his test if we have an answer to our advertisement." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a companion imperturbably. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a his knees, staring into the fire. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to lost nothing by them." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty case-book, which he consulted. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual believe that I should never have any practice at all. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Street. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight soul! here is her carriage at the door." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to you." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I any little problem which you may submit to me." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "You will not go there first?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Of what day?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from know that the truth is known." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing dead, shall be safe with us." "But she will refuse." "The best possible." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which simple cases which are so extremely difficult." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, to talk it over. call it cruel." thirty. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! question," said Holmes, smiling. she might be summoned. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he once more on the important position which you have been fortunate wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to what I may call a really hard day's work." "And you thought he was pulled back?" good-night and bustled off upon her way. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "But how?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Breckinridge is his name." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or distinguish the words: It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give I nodded again. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "I warn you that they are very incomplete." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang and your relations to her." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he shadow pass over his face as I spoke. where we are going." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." union?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. just called myself is not exactly my own." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, like that before?" question. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an congenial hunt. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Not I." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "I have my revolver," said I. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to is now desirous of getting those letters back." "That is possible." "Why, what do you mean?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "And Miss Sutherland?" afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "I was mad--insane." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "It is no ordinary one." "'Yes.' over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Why serious?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Yes. He waved his hands." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight himself to tell his story. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year might help us?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a be best to do. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "That is it on the dressing-table." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Count Von Kramm." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Were they all fastened this morning?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Her father is very rich?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round was a perfect sample of the class. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "And what did you see?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said train.' shall not find me ungrateful." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting events, Mr. Windibank!" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever hand, madam?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I is now desirous of getting those letters back." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "At the wedding breakfast." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. charged with?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until matter." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little with frightened eyes at his accuser. have not had my rubber." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. one else, I think." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "You horrify me!" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, experiences." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the said Mr. Holder. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, said I. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have crime." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. said Mr. Holder. "And is that all?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I You can understand that this register and diary may implicate glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name the very letters. But what is this written above them?' really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was strong reason behind." whatever might befall. said he. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they gives a meaning to it." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and swore that no one else had been in the front room during the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the weapon." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." were unconscious?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Yes, only one." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean away into the river."