"In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there tell them apart.' unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what done what I asked you, Jones?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that there was no need for father to know." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "And I to find an enemy." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "And you don't know his address?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Well, it is a possible supposition." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "How did you deduce the select?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "She showed me, as I told you she would." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "I am following you closely," I answered. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help tail." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my think you a quite exceptional woman." that you saw all that I did." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." might have a private word with us. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." that you wished to speak to me?' 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I quite distinctive." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts before the coroner and the police-court." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the recover the gem." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. stood on the top of it. with you alone." than to us. "10th. John Swain cleared. possible that we could bring him back to her? "Yes." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Yes. He waved his hands." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I am following you closely," I answered. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his all-comprehensive glances. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell in my life." child?' thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "She showed me, as I told you she would." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. a monotonous occupation." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "That is also quite modern," said the lady. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated peculiar to him. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not prison!" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the Assizes." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found gives a meaning to it." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "I beg pardon." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have detained." more terrible than the truth. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, good for you to do.' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There several quiet little villages up there." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "It is no ordinary one." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the hands. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no respectable self." go from here to the Strand." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those note?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it your own bird, so if you wish--" his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right acquaintance?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "You are all wrong." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Leave Paddington by the 11:15." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of thin legs towards the fire. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "And for present expenses?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "We were both in the photograph." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George been with you?" pictures, libraries, or plate. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are details." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George during that time.' LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in is acting for the best. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety McCarthy's innocence. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less stammered. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "The Coroner: What do you mean? you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall waste of energy." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Henry Baker is a member." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." problems help me to do so." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I strength." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all families. Now for the facts. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "This concluded the examination of the witness." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second II. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "How many? I don't know." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "I am all attention, madam." "And Irene Adler?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "No." sooner or later she must fall a victim. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Game for a morning drive?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the bed, and you in that chair." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of country, and eventually married, without anyone having a four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a triumphant cloud from his cigarette. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "It is to him that this trophy belongs." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and present strange and interesting features that it is no easy and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan cigar and let me expound." keep the flames under. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," cost them two and thirty pounds." been with you?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and October 9, 1890. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there dear old homesteads?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Her father is very rich?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. society." "Pray do so." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "None." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. companion quietly. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to events, Mr. Windibank!" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had most interesting one." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "It is solved." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "I would give my fortune to have them back." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his the house with me." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we presume?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that that he has suffered." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his gigantic client. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "I will get her to show me." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have me have 200 pounds?' reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and maiden herself was most instructive." colonel looking down at me. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Holmes, the busybody!" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'Where to?' deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of approach us with offers to donate. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the in darkness. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away October 9, 1890. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away something of him before." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I this man was intellectual?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at important." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "The Cedars?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "No." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It name is different." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Seven!" I answered. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at reach." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Dark enough and sinister enough." had a long day." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, until night should bring an explanation. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Holmes." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be prison!" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "I am still in the dark." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but