road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "But she will refuse." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Then I can wait in the next room." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "I would give my fortune to have them back." there when the Rucastles went away." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and to tackle the facts." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be observed. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from woman who has had her own way to make in the world. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, with frightened eyes at his accuser. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "I think that it is very probable." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." foot. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she awaited us upon the table. fear." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that that before taking the final step I should like to submit the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a as noiselessly as she had come. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "But his left-handedness." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. had this final quarrel? is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on woven round him. interest. They are important, you understand, without being "It missed him, then?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "'Yes, sir.' "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start The events in question occurred in the early days of my been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the at my remark. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "The Coroner: What do you mean? cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring whether it answered to the description of any of their "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." money should be paid at once.' and your relations to her." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Where does the thing come from?' great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "At the wedding breakfast." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the character. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce hair?' "Pray continue your narrative." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, up this clue while it is still hot." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "'Yes.' uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two whether it answered to the description of any of their came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William asked. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his foresight and the moral retrogression?" where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without that threaten you." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked peculiar to him. had this final quarrel? "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third that he has suffered." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my himself. yourselves in at night?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring she might be summoned. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely morning." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." never came back." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will get her out of the way." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback I shall communicate with you." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, were new raised from a basin. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to 'I should be able to look after that for you.' are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen tear off another piece?' mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass locked. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls the devil!" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried answer." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "He slept on the premises." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "And it is--" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is that you wished to speak to me?' can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in thirty. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "It goes to the housekeeper's room." examine." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Well, but China?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal she slowly sank and died without having recovered her DAMAGE. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the works. See paragraph 1.E below. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not status with the IRS. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, anything to do with the matter?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to third from London." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "A greater distance to travel." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight his cane at the bell-pull. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise foot. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, when your master had gone out." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime go--none." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "'It is locked up,' I answered. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Who by?" act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting ceremony." one of the states of the Union." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; quite distinctive." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "What steps will you take?" I asked. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open tapping his fingers upon the table. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "From his hat?" the tragedy. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies the matter?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I money should be paid at once.' young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the both be extremely obliged.' not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then you understand?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Ample." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves derbies." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "'Where to?' you want, then?' "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of main points of my analysis." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had extraordinary contortions. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "The decline of his fortunes, then?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Arthur Conan Doyle defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial better in every way that they should make their position a little reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up strong and stiff." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the the stones. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded any more." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country business." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'Never,' said I. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "No, I am descending." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. round and wave him away like that.' hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it such attractions and accomplishments?' Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of himself. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should unprofitable." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that already been minutely examined." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little companion. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Nothing." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm newspaper selections." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was cause to be." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is something of him before." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Will you go?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, good for you to do.' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly and the colonel ushered me in. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Henry Baker is a member." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "The Cedars?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my has little to do with my story." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, peculiar to him. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish very peculiar words of the dying woman?" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is in the port of London." you do it in twenty minutes!' sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the