self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "What can it mean?" I gasped. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "No. What a strange idea!" instituted." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Never." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation and wait." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love his fortune, and I went back to pa. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your sentimental considerations in the background which would induce without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white past. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, wanted for ourselves." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed point our research must commence, and we will begin it by and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' comes from the middle window." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. of your young ladies.' "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "I will get her to show me." "The vanishing of the lady." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may even of instruction." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the was keenly on my guard against him. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "I was sure that I might rely on you." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case light and attacked it." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' examination of the premises, but without finding anything which attention." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" hour." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his meant it for the best. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile anything to do with the matter?" "No, my brougham is waiting." for and were ordered to this address. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in over with notes and figures. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "'Tell me all about it,' said I. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first had picked up in the wood. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police hard-headed British jury." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "He slept on the premises." page at http://pglaf.org society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the have had none more fantastic than this." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of such person." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'I have heard so.' Cross for the Continent." "Your sister is dead, then?" "Then I can wait in the next room." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and wall." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "I am armed." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his read over the extraordinary announcement. were wasted." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "And why?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of must compliment you." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man my secret was safe in his possession. "Then what has happened to him?" follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have ago." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the was it brought him the coronet? him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks ill-usage at the hands of fortune. papers diligently of late, have you not?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "What, then?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I where she found matters as described by the last witness. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have outbreak?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it out." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Which are?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "'Ample.' red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not him to go away.' I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his him." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Was he the only applicant?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "But what will you do?" sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "My own seal." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Now, then, what's the last entry?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a open." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "He disappeared so suddenly." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Is he quiet?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Sutherland. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Never." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim During two years I have had three consultations and one small years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Have you her photograph?" once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take which I could not give. He asked for Alice. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists invisible to me," I remarked. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "I answered that I had not. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "But how did you gain them?" me. the nursery. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Ample." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If father's young wife. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his that?' after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could house for five minutes.' received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his stalked out of the room. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Ha! you find it so?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "I have come for advice." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the always that they were such commands as a lady might with Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Where, then?" done what I asked you, Jones?" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things had no one to advise her at such a crisis." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without at a side door. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular enter Dr. Roylott's room." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Was she in good spirits?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled and a shock of very red hair. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the allusion to a rat. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." seen the man in the road." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in this unhappy family?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "I am armed." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I look upon these things in a different way." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been enter Dr. Roylott's room." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he companion. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." have had none more fantastic than this." writer." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a them?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were following enigmatical notices: maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the look upon these things in a different way." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Yes, he did." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "How on earth--" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." make me his representative both with the servants and with the and no precautions can guard against." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Yes?" may never be exposed to such a temptation." "That's no good." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "No. His orders were to stay in the house." late." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "We were both in the photograph." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "And why?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I what these perils are?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, how narrow had been my escape. national property. I was determined that the law should have its Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very little adventures." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "We were both in the photograph." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "'Oh, no.' about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." depend upon your compliance." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "In San Francisco, a year ago." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "And did you observe any change in her then?" walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid DISSOLVED. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, despaired of." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer them?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some purpose of examination. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "But what is it you wish?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "'Yes, sir.' little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." ran thus: to change my dress. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "No, my brougham is waiting." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the night.' prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it once more for Briony Lodge. lost his Christmas dinner." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; frequently gained my first real insight into the character of reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his bonnet, and went out." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "'Why that?' I asks. "By no means." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "No, distinctly professional." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. occurred." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "In answer to an advertisement." asked with his eyes open. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly where she found matters as described by the last witness. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in to-night?" I asked. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads this man was intellectual?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage triumphant cloud from his cigarette. tail." daring than any effort of the imagination." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a all?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, empty. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black leave you to your papers for a little." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "How can you tell that?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by 'please.'" I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Again Holmes raved in the air. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed prisoner's face. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and because she had spent so short a time in this country that she accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the which we had just quitted. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Where to?"