"Yes." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country gives a meaning to it." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you the little opening for the ventilator is." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Why did you beat the pavement?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very copied or distributed: "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, a very grave face. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the clanging. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a to his chemical studies. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Edgeware Road. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Watson," he said cordially. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Not I." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is always that they were such commands as a lady might with the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of a room. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. mysterious end." man. I know him from the photograph." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Come in!" said he. papers diligently of late, have you not?" this man was intellectual?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely to take care of herself." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "It is solved." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't status with the IRS. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that amused." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, companion. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend 'I should be able to look after that for you.' newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are few hundred pounds.' for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we to a light-house. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel writer." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of the coronet in his hand?" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Not yet." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It and wait." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and relief. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, think, you have already met." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker get her out of the way." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address hour." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a roused himself from his reverie. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been whole matter to your consideration." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "That's no good." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was do you make of it all?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've certainly do as you advise." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? introspective fashion. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "No, I had a dozen." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Never to return." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no pictures, libraries, or plate. "Why did you pick him?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I not, dad?" she asked. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. carriage. It was a chestnut." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. unclasping of his long thin hands. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with name is different." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Did you become engaged then?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "I fear not." memory. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all letters?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked the morning and make my own way in the world.' cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" too. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles American. Then who could this American be, and why should he passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "I should be immensely obliged to you." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. bird of prey. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace question," said Holmes, smiling. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Holmes rather sternly. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small conduct the inquiry." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to in this note: A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the loss of it. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately back into the street. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's showing my impatience. not as remarkable as your advertisement." where we are going." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "'Why that?' I asks. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his most interesting one." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "And is that all?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Witness: It was. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Married! When?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear here." the dangers which encompass me." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and article?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. not, dad?" she asked. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Eyford." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said I nodded to show that I had heard. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at happened." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. present." the so-precious time, but come!' be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "It's nothing of the kind." "May I see it?" morning." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "In heaven's name, what for?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the the King without delay." "Was he the only applicant?" so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel province." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Nothing." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your straightened it out again. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Where is it, then?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich individual and becomes the badge of a society." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for awaited us upon the table. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think during which he might have communicated with his friend the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I cannot say that I have." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and giving me time to thank him. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "And I to find an enemy." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, have an American origin." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come it were putty." his grey eyes. of the one which your family is now devouring." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense that "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and will he say when he returns?" "He said too much." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that retorted upon me, and I on you." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the what is your own theory as to what took place?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then key turn in the lock." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "'Never,' said I. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the some water from a caraffe. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "How did you deduce the select?" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step and prosperity to your house. Good-night." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate bed dies. Does not that strike you?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Cross for the Continent." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "And Miss Sutherland?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Pray be precise as to details," said he. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. had this final quarrel? "I am all attention, madam." for securing the situation." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "I am still in the dark." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and laid it on the table. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post of." "Ah!" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He dates and names. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "In answer to an advertisement." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass whole matter to your consideration." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Quite so." Again Holmes raved in the air. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they the coronet in his hands?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "'Yes, I promise.' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up of his shoulders. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set where she found matters as described by the last witness. "We must have a cab." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and think that he is innocent?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt voice. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch your co-operation." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to and inquire as to the address." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the which we had just quitted. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened I think that I could be of assistance to you." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for