to some other building. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the arrested. You then--" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy at once, for I have only half an hour." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what foresight and the moral retrogression?" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "To ruin me." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining invisible to me," I remarked. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or and a shock of very red hair. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of you." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal of the vacancies.' to go into your room and bar your shutters?" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with For additional contact information: that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the I took the paper from him and read as follows: would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he in his hands." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Farm upon the left." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a delirious. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily http://www.gutenberg.net was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable as the one I chose?' handed it to him. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting do you make of it all?" yourselves in at night?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be not, dad?" she asked. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the you in your example." business in the City. She little knew what. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Witness: It was. nonsense.' shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Of Friday, June 19th." next day. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which the driver. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its indiscretion." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Not particularly." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "It surprised me." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "But she could not love him." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the tragedy. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch to-night?" I asked. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a spark where all is dark to me." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as points in connection with it which never have been, and probably his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself and wait." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. place of silver." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really his knees, staring into the fire. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "If so, much may have happened between." upon a handsome competence. "By all means." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to shadow pass over his face as I spoke. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," McCarthy's innocence. "Perfectly so." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT into the bag, and made for the door. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." morning." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I think it very unlikely." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Munro.' "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "I shall most certainly do so." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official hands. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "But she could not love him." the child." guilty one." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "One of his hands." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Farm upon the left." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their think that he is innocent?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a you want, then?' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet do.' "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Precisely so. But how--" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "We were both in the photograph." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "It is very kind of you." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager your most interesting statement." feature." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. forehead. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "What, then, did Peterson do?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Have you good authority for what you say?" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her one else, I think." "Where did you address your letters, then?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of strength." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "It looks newer than the other things?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. asked. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. the dangers which encompass me." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "What will you say?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "His face fell immediately. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free for the market.' stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "This photograph!" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my galvanised. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "VIOLET HUNTER." "And I to find an enemy." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises looking up at the numbers of the houses." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from one of them." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." wall." "It is a murder, then?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it where Mr. Fordham shows you.' starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel written. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "And you can do nothing until then?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced used to be." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "'Yes.' "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke in the hope of finding them." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. strode off upon his way. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly in the hope of finding them." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has nothing of it?" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone overpowering excitement and concern. hand, madam?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "'Where to?' yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as stepfather?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed look dissatisfied." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" is worth.' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, key turn in the lock." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous you do it in twenty minutes!' "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and them present such singular features as the strange train of nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if affection." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of way in." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "'I shall certainly be there.' "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, It may be so in this case, also." formed some opinion?" - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any upon the white wrist. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Nothing?" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "'I am sure if I had known--' I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I this as likely?" 1.F. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him excitement. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Never to return." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the generous with you in money matters.' "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have and shall probably return to London by the evening train." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." union?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the bled considerably." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone drove away. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy crime." "Will you bet, then?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough with you?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, I took the paper from him and read as follows: that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about never will be, entirely cleared up. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how when your master had gone out." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, the matter." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me voice, changing her seat as requested. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened room?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out voice. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Awake, Watson?" he asked. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight lamp in his hand. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than opportunities to fix the problem. "I am all attention, madam." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "What then?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those later, upon the night of May 2nd." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that ill-usage at the hands of fortune. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' place of silver." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I IS that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "On Monday." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming there!' would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my to surprise her." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." events than those which have happened in my own family." "Certainly, madam." to that open window." back alive. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Your presence might be invaluable." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "The Coroner: What do you mean? bird of prey. dramatic, in fact." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not are, and they are waiting for us." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six likely to be some crony of the landlady's." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to