of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would have been better. It is all right." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we never will be, entirely cleared up. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his the south-west, I see." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key said he at last. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening throat." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I him to be an active member of the medical profession." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, her also." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow not as remarkable as your advertisement." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "And what then?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. him nearly every evening." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' hair?' "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 and wait." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that clang of the bell. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "'A dozen yards or so.' civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, morning." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "What!" he roared. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. if she died from some sudden fright." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a certainly do as you advise." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action secret." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the both be extremely obliged.' "Witness: It was. results." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most DAMAGE. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows coroner's jury." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project off." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "About a month then." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "My dear Holmes!" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which is four-and-twenty." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "It missed him, then?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "'Yes, it was gone.' happened." "I have hopes." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. delirious. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, in his hands." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, shall use the carriage to-night." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "It certainly sounds feasible." But Holmes shook his head gravely. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Why, what do you mean?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "No." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man Street. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This experiences." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is and files of the old papers, following the future career of every fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "The Cedars?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "What of the rat, then?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Her father is very rich?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me or other trace. But how on earth--" "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. photograph?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. the roots. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man examination of the premises, but without finding anything which finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up electronic works "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Sutherland?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by even of instruction." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in in one or two places in England?' not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from than to us. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that was a lad." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "The King of Scandinavia." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His things are very often connected not with the larger but with the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Never to return." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' wedding?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Now, then, what's the last entry?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Holmes rather sternly. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "'Where to?' "The gentleman I describe." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive was once confined in the cab my mission was practically minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical your own bird, so if you wish--" difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Pray do so." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "It was." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Lestrade of Scotland Yard." and capable of preserving a secret.' begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to this man was intellectual?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is signal between you and your father? License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. problems help me to do so." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster my friend's incisive reasoning. "An enemy?" in a very precise fashion." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "That sounds a little paradoxical." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was tension within him. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then green of the new foliage. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his page at http://pglaf.org little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental for and were ordered to this address. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must public press." cigar and let me expound." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was London for the present?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from upon the sideboard." "Can I be of assistance?" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "And your mother is alive?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the closing the door. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Then he might have called to you?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. appointment with me for six o'clock?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Just look it up, then." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "'Yes, sir.' when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Surrey." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction allusion to a rat. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the your room." weapon." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "That is not always so easy." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a place of silver." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set security.' world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I have come for advice." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most already referred to. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in This is what he says: usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform place no limit on the sum I may draw." without a word or a look. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "'Not at all. I only doubt--' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that http://www.gutenberg.net though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a sufficient punishment." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that cost them two and thirty pounds." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin of your young ladies.' woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked them present such singular features as the strange train of telegram would bring me down to your help." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "I assure you that I am in your hands." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have his knees, staring into the fire. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Can I be of assistance?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "That is easily got." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, to have been novel and of interest." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed and glanced through. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "He said that you could solve anything." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may to-night?" I asked. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Not I." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Come in!" said he. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "What is it?" it were putty." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power tear off another piece?' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the feature." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as you?' "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had wall." at home. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was head. So long, then!" main points of my analysis." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Holmes' face clouded over. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. girl said." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty to miss it." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Leave Paddington by the 11:15." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Well, some hundreds of times." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he