"My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "But what will you do?" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Look there!" said he. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." absorbing." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and mystery." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such ways including including checks, online payments and credit card still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, notes," he said. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "On your arm?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "That is easily got." to affect your life." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of three of the beryls in it, was missing. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "It missed him, then?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' questionable one." never came back." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into or other trace. But how on earth--" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the 1.E.9. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in second window is the one that I jumped from." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "It is a murder, then?" "'Never.' lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; despaired of." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "'Certainly not. But why?' Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Your sister is dead, then?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he just called myself is not exactly my own." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "No sign of it?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of with you?" occurred." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "The Cedars?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave sneer upon his pale face. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Leadenhall Street--and--" guilty one." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes enter into my head. with her." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was be. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "She told me to ask you." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your II. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's conduct the inquiry." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to trifles." so.' "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to then?" I held the little printed slip to the light. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some that, and I came down." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "In heaven's name, what for?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the strong and stiff." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. trying to your nerves." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. infinite languor in his face. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my nonsense.' quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "I am about to be married." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never electronic works look dissatisfied." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "But not more so than I to find you." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, must be when I saw the door open.' "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he chemical work which was so dear to him. it." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with followed. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that than was visible to me." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to felt?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the night.' "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I have solved it." carpenter." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can next day. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "'Oh, no.' stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain one of the states of the Union." "Then the page we have seen--" redistribution. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Yes." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I do." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting his huge brown hands. such person." "9th. McCauley cleared. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Have you her photograph?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "No?" you." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, six. Come in!" ways of our fellow-men." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang sentimental considerations in the background which would induce she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Witness: I must still refuse. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which annoyance, but no jest. at once, for I have only half an hour." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the with her." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in 11:15.' go from here to the Strand." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong prisoner's face. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "You have a clue?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "'Most admirably.' waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "It is very clear." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Heh?' "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried shall use the carriage to-night." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and once more for Briony Lodge. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to like gravel from a pit.' "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever stammered. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" carpenter." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my success. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by presume?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "And how did you find out?" fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "'I shall certainly be there.' everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "I see no marks." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Of what?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the shall use the carriage to-night." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "No. What a strange idea!" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one shoulder. "But it has twice been burgled." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing be sorry for having acted so harshly." me where it went to?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to to take care of herself." "No more words. Get out!" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a certainly do as you advise." possible that we could bring him back to her? believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate this truth that in these little records of our cases which you of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did gone. "But what will you do?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as that you can jump it.' "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the stones. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize been with you?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt presented more singular features than that which was associated glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was seven miles from Eyford Station.' "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Ample." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Yes." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there my little problems." voice, changing her seat as requested. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "And who is her maid?" where we are going." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and It was close upon four before the door opened, and a they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, lost nothing by them." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "And I to find an enemy." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that mystery." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable pressing in one house as in another. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the have one." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Yesterday."