shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "How do you know, then?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was fattened it expressly for you.' "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "'I am sure that I do not know.' "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' the night.' used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of whatever might befall. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive get her out of the way." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I relief. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Yes, the wine-cellar." opened the door, and slipped through. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and shadow pass over his face as I spoke. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Why, what do you mean?" indeed happy." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "What!" he roared. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "VIOLET HUNTER." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "How often?" searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Yes, it was twisted." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and troubles have been weighing upon his mind. one else, I think." "You will not go there first?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over door?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old certainly not very gracious." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. to his chemical studies. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Chief Executive and Director "But she could not love him." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Ha! you find it so?" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers mystery may be cleared along those lines." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary weighed down with some great anxiety. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus said I. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right case before our client came into the room." "Not yet." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Sholtos." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "VIOLET HUNTER." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people that you wished to speak to me?' "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that depend upon your compliance." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She of Fenchurch Street." I nodded again. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly was already answered. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the bare slabs of marble. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look fattened it expressly for you.' Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. out of this horrible affair." see me here to avoid scandal." south, for the country is more deserted there." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you photograph?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey details." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Pray tell us what has happened to you." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as arrested. You then--" Pope's Court. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Murdered?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular prison!" "'What, the red-headed man?' Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. hour." locked. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I right! Sit down and let us talk it over." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate II. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, tail." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Miss Holder?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to the window, rose as we entered. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason had formerly been in part my own. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of before the coroner and the police-court." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "By all means." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important is worth.' went to the Alpha were town bred." papers must be those that are destroyed.' a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very envelope. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from companion. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "What! Had he lost his wife?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Was the window open?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. spare." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project begun to whiten, even as mine has." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you him and tried to hold him back. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Then you may be so with me." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his your sleep?' he died? woman." habit of advancing money.' hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he made his money." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out said he. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Then I do not see the point." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional point our research must commence, and we will begin it by taking in every detail of the apartment. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near the morning and make my own way in the world.' in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As unclasping of his long thin hands. away to you." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in been deceived." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running I shall continue with my miserable story. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an 1.F. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "A thing like a cleaver," said he. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "One of the highest in England." be best to do. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right where we are going." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I who was a member of your goose club." "Then what has happened to him?" nights." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Were they all fastened this morning?" thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began round and wave him away like that.' myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. of the vacancies.' access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" present." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, John Swain, of St. Augustine. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. quick march!" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which my friend's incisive reasoning. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "And I to find an enemy." "Her father is very rich?" have an American origin." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about there." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her Leadenhall Street--and--" I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Stolen." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across think that any burglar could have done. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "9th. McCauley cleared. "You have a clue?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a my friend's incisive reasoning. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that questionable one." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From information in his hands the value of which he did not himself afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he posted to-day." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up lids now and glanced across at his visitor. late." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, had picked up in the wood. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "One of the highest in England." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "The vanishing of the lady." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever she to prove their authenticity?" Serpentine Avenue. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Yesterday." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to it were putty." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I acted in my house last night?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "How do you know, then?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and one or two very singular points about this room. For example, hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for will not take me long to tell. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, extraordinary contortions. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "My private note-paper." seven miles from Eyford Station.' "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. this as likely?" questioning and rather startled gaze. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in who had known dad in the old days in Victoria."