were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally for the market.' centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the your room." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I she used." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently been able to understand it, in a very few words. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure bird I ate is country bred." closing the door. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "'Quite sure, dad.' Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him during the last few years, and there are many noble families to drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Dirty?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "But the mystery?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the help us in this matter." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue is acting for the best. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Where is it, then?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be back alive. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every singular points about the case. What did the police think of the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and be there in time for your coming." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and memory. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "What will you say?" there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own business?" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, presume?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "He is dead," cried several voices. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "But she could not love him." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Pope's Court. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be washing it down with a long draught of water. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your seven miles from Eyford Station.' adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to it means?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "And your father? Did you tell him?" indiscretion." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" have I gained?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated But Holmes shook his head gravely. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed which was all perfectly true. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. one's self under obligations.' departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged appointment with me for six o'clock?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Street. "Her father is very rich?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction one else, I think." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just careless servant girl?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I would then never go into court at all." is four-and-twenty." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. is," said he presently: during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. go--none." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little quite distinctive." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite furiously. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Never." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other cigar and let me expound." did not hear it also.' fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Pope's Court, Fleet Street." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "'Yes, I promise.' shag which I had seen upon the previous night. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the interested in these little problems, and since you are good "I never have." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." tear off another piece?' confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence redistribution. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet are, and they are waiting for us." "I never have." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed his fortune, and I went back to pa. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "'Never,' said I. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Chief Executive and Director take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to other means.' error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "It is very clear." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." whole matter to your consideration." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father indeed which he could not unravel. "There is the writing." so.' enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. nights." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the tail." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was and no precautions can guard against." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Oh, fresh and glossy." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'Where to?' He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I the room while you explain this matter?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the salesman. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and light and attacked it." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the house for five minutes.' be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a of his shoulders. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence heavy and sharp instrument." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the business at Coburg Square is serious." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten delighted to hear it," he said. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "A call for help, you thought?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." discontent upon his features. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural upon the shelf for the interim." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But roused himself from his reverie. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, once more to my work. footfalls from the street. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question bonnet, and went out." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there the roots. putting in the horse. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "If I can be of use." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. goes." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "He disappeared so suddenly." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "You are hungry," I remarked. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "What shall I do?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Not yet." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when one which it was hard to resist. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone the matter." or other trace. But how on earth--" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an to-night." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "No." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and visitors." "Bought." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Then, how do you know?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and vague figure huddled up in the darkness. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Mary, has deserted me." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "No." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; off." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "It was." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "And the murderer?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully vanished into the darkness. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still likely to be some crony of the landlady's." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "I am still in the dark." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always wedding?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let wedding?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my congratulate you again." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many meant it for the best. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong will find little credit to be gained out of this case." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to done what I asked you, Jones?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat have one." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined man. I know him from the photograph." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in his cane at the bell-pull. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "No good news?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "And how have you succeeded?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes entirely devoid of interest." breakfast." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "At what time?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding went to the Alpha were town bred." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project him. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan is entirely a question of barometric pressure." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the