"I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in do you make of it all?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." directors, with the result that you have seen." during that time.' Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain retorted upon me, and I on you." to-night?" I asked. mystery." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "The Coroner: What do you mean? "I saw her in conversation with her maid." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "None. Neville wrote those words." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with up this clue while it is still hot." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it business." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, towards the blaze. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. had this final quarrel? rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might must compliment you." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John directors have had misgivings upon the subject." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such observed. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. wanted for ourselves." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I particular state visit http://pglaf.org have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to obstinate." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the both be extremely obliged.' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET notes," he said. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my all that?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Holmes' thin, eager face. asked. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day were wasted." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "I assure you that I am in your hands." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps of the vacancies.' good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new do you make of it all?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to night.' said he. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, to have that photograph." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly *** START: FULL LICENSE *** would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Then he might have called to you?" leaning back in his chair. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "And sit in the dark?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "On Monday." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "It looks newer than the other things?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then must compliment you." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "And Irene Adler?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a chill to my heart. the south-west, I see." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "No bad?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." indeed which he could not unravel. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "That also I could fathom." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. with her." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I am in hopes that she does." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been think, you have already met." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the chance." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did when your master had gone out." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news call it cruel." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Nothing." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, business." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a always that they were such commands as a lady might with of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. disturbance in my wife." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if allusion to a rat. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder least a fellow-countryman. "To an English lawyer named Norton." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this visitors." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds from the brougham. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass what do you think they found in the pockets?" front of me. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "A call for help, you thought?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "The doctor?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "'Entirely.' strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Again Holmes raved in the air. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Holmes' face clouded over. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." that, and I came down." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently breakfast?" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only if only as a check to my own memory." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "She told me to ask you." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, from the brougham. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away is," said he presently: wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Was there a secret marriage?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Quite so. She has her freedom." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the strode off upon his way. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "What! a murderous attack?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "In San Francisco, a year ago." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make question. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "I was afraid that you were engaged." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress mysterious end." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "You forget that I know nothing about it." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "'Certainly,' I answered. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. dramatic, in fact." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Then, how do you know?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his I held the little printed slip to the light. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the good-night and bustled off upon her way. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! quite distinctive." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon my special province." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most it were putty." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. you came in." of the one which your family is now devouring." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "You have a clue?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." just called myself is not exactly my own." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard the date of his supposed suicide." come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his and shall probably return to London by the evening train." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the memory. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "I cannot say that I have." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "No, finished." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the fear." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "It's nothing of the kind." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "You saw the ventilator, too?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a crowd. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Can I be of assistance?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, indiscretion." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I than to us. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." intrusion of other matters." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my humiliation." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill have I gained?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "No." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Will you bet, then?" at my own good fortune. grasp, he hurried from the room. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I maid will bring up your coffee." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he me, and I could not think that his explanation of the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns astonishment. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "No, thank goodness, she did not." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "No." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too introspective fashion. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can his grey eyes. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in drove away. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the King without delay." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the used to be." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in could not have written that. It is the German who is so Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a there has been an enclosure here!" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Stolen, then." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough and the whole place is in a blaze." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'There is a drive, then?' you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it