rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in despaired of." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he answer." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Yes." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of constraint." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and to his chemical studies. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had not as remarkable as your advertisement." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Never." empty. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the For additional contact information: ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the of campaign. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Imitated." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'Yes, it was gone.' from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "She told me to ask you." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "What then?" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "A client, then?" within hail.' "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some should be so warm over such a trifle." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the me upon any point which I do not make clear." which we had just quitted. any more." "About a month then." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was other lovers by making love himself." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home said I. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "The doctor?" "There is the writing." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Perfectly so." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, which it had come upon my father." off." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Then I am your man." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "At the wedding breakfast." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Not in the least." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in drove away. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when round and wave him away like that.' and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, correct than the official force." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "I will, Miss Turner." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess come either from the window or the door. My attention was situation." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "I am following you closely," I answered. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with it with his own hands." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to begin with, and I had not got mine yet." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Very truly yours, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new behind me. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would prisoner's face. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The gone. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to would apply.' touch that coronet?' feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "How about poison?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and him." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to tied." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Yesterday." emerged. IS 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two carried out of court." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." chance at all." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for returned to France?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed conclusions. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had could gather together that I was able to avert another public printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "But you have hopes?" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her any more." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked forehead. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a forecastle of an emigrant ship. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "We must sit without light. He would see it through the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight yet." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid interests were the same as his." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat hopeless attempt at recovering them." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'Yes, sir.' do.' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Yes." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. certainly not very gracious." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I out of this horrible affair." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "'Which dealer's?' not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "No." returned to France?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Munro.' after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Nearly eleven." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging *** START: FULL LICENSE *** without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "And leave your case unfinished?" nonsense.' "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Leadenhall Street--and--" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "I am armed." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "But how will you look?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen McCarthy." memory. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my breakfast." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," What do you deduce from it?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet correct than the official force." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "At the wedding breakfast." galvanised. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." come either from the window or the door. My attention was "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "And now?" He raised his hand. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End disappearance of the bride.'" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I again on its way. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, ways of our fellow-men." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "But you can know nothing of this?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, advice." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, a very grave face. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven some water from a caraffe. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to to a light-house. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the call the police, let the police find what they can.' comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were could go. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Certainly, madam." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "They are typewritten," I remarked. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" girl said." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a burst out into a roar of laughter. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "There is the writing." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until have one." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, his wife has ceased to love him." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them on re-entering her father's house?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "That was it, sir." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had intrusion of other matters." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Can I be of assistance?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the suspect him." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Yes." had a long day." "My Mary? Impossible!" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went better in every way that they should make their position a little as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "And on what day did he meet his death?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I tightly behind him. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend could gather together that I was able to avert another public since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't suddenly upon us." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with three fields round his house, and there he would take his up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "You horrify me." again." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you everything which you would wish to know." beyond words. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous clang of the bell. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white drawing your inferences." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "No, finished." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a weary and pale-looking. fishes.