the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we considering the formidable letters which were received by himself alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'Which dealer's?' during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. bears upon the case?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than again." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he past. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the indeed which he could not unravel. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring and have this put in the evening papers." "In which, sir?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Foundation story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "This concluded the examination of the witness." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "My stepfather's business papers." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "About a month then." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Why did you pick him?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Certainly." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "What! a murderous attack?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall tear off another piece?' "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I should like to see him very much." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. to miss it." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "You don't mind breaking the law?" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some went to the Alpha were town bred." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in simple cases which are so extremely difficult." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Not particularly." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a whole matter to your consideration." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, my secret was safe in his possession. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "No?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to Munro.' intimate personal affairs in this public manner." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "None." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. upon the white wrist. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Nearly eleven." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Only as much as we can deduce." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid come either from the window or the door. My attention was thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "I assure you that I am in your hands." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Really! You surprise me." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving here." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock have I gained?" observed. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "I was certainly surprised to find you there." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "And how did he make his money?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "And now?" He raised his hand. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as detained." crime. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally cup of tea. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the nice household for a young lady." "My photograph." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "That also I could fathom." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Which are?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "No, I think that I'll take it." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little man. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "An enemy?" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no ago." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing waste of energy." it were putty." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just train.' to me. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and the stones. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "But what is it you wish?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads nothing with him." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in You can understand that this register and diary may implicate round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All constraint." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door over with notes and figures. with her." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent humiliation." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "I am sure." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "I should be immensely obliged to you." have accepted such a situation. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "The King of Scandinavia." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one prepare for the new role I have to play." beg that you will break it off." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. advice." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy papers on the sundial.'" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us became a certainty. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely floor. "I see no marks." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "A client, then?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." read over the extraordinary announcement. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that impression behind it as though a window had gently closed is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can drove away. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' not personally threatened." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." opened the door, and slipped through. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "What then?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, man. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. indiscretion." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit breakfast." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! for securing the situation." "That also I could fathom." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Pray let us have it, for all that." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to of a light. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Certainly." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never not, dad?" she asked. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "'Entirely.' For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." had formerly been in part my own. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen enter into my head. a good hundred miles off by now." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of past. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an details." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" only touch the interest." investigation." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official upon the shelf for the interim." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. but preventing her from injuring another. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with had formerly been in part my own. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil seen the man in the road." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "A client, then?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Not in a good cause." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece will he say when he returns?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "I know where it is." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and was a perfect sample of the class. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Does that suggest anything?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "No. What a strange idea!" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an the driver. "Get out!" said he. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master respectable self." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "The gentleman I describe." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual over here." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with outsides of the windows. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know was once confined in the cab my mission was practically sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have ready to-morrow?' at my own good fortune. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred was not a bird to be seen there. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Which surely he restored to their owner?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "How can you tell that?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'Certainly not.' room. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable thin, with a long, sharp nose?" it." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard read it out to me." direction." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the bell. Holmes whistled. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." residence of the great financier. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or what these perils are?"