"Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was John Swain, of St. Augustine. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Tired-looking or fresh?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes could not have written that. It is the German who is so his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the off." so far?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There individual and becomes the badge of a society." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We the morning and make my own way in the world.' point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Her father is very rich?" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in security.' "Certainly." "Quite so. She has her freedom." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" of the way of danger. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a States. "Certainly." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project to where he stood hid behind the curtain. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "'Entirely.' and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "And how have you succeeded?" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this me what he had done with the three missing stones. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time bird of prey. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "No." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "No bad?" drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken eat it." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with fatally injured? a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, him." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the loss of it. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "No, I had a dozen." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would strong and stiff." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard him. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I am still in the dark." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. that he will be back before evening." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his easy-going way." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those on in his house." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I think it very unlikely." my friend's incisive reasoning. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "I will try. What is it?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man I shall continue with my miserable story. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey outside." of receipt of the work. "You were travelling in the States?" brandy and water within his reach. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, third from London." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be quick march!" take the flies, but not before." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "And how?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Always." or other trace. But how on earth--" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Certainly." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of dead, shall be safe with us." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at golden eyeglasses. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and that?' maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Very much so." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "And how in the world did you find them?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Not in a good cause." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the for and were ordered to this address. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "And what did you see?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn article?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by hand, madam?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more undoubtedly my uncle's." you." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "I don't say that. Perhaps." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "There are none." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Street. in him." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest will he say when he returns?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Why did you pick him?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the in the dead of the night?' was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the certainly do as you advise." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "What do you mean?" his forehead." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Not in a good cause." minor matters until to-morrow." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of go--none." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and business at Coburg Square is serious." about here speaks of his kindness to him." "If so, much may have happened between." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Then he might have called to you?" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began hour?' week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite I nodded again. "Ha! you find it so?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his said I. "Pray continue your narrative." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "What will you say?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. ventilator." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when who was a member of your goose club." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "And I say east," said my patient. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." License. You must require such a user to return or wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be if she died from some sudden fright." his face which made him a very different person to the round, is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "'In my own bureau.' Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found digesting their breakfasts at home." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will is now desirous of getting those letters back." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a for its centre. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that investigation." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential companion. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of man. I know him from the photograph." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "I assure you that I am in your hands." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked whole matter to your consideration." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of several quiet little villages up there." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre weary and pale-looking. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning because she had spent so short a time in this country that she wedding?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must meanly of me." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, with you alone." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will photograph?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." III. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." nice household for a young lady." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. her also." "'Then let me do so?' nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out article?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran me." "Then, how do you know?" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are McCarthy." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Yes, they were peculiar boots." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The are, and they are waiting for us." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "It is possible." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself because she had spent so short a time in this country that she credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too the dangers which encompass me." said I. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "And I say east," said my patient. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the hereditary King of Bohemia." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Was he the only applicant?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "No, I am descending." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm The King stared at him in amazement. the inner apartment." charged with?" one which it was hard to resist. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, will not take me long to tell. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "None." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon