happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Which are?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "You did not overhear what they said?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" that there was nothing in it, after all." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "'About the same.' own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Yes." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to said he. before, for it was considerably after midnight. "No, my brougham is waiting." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was reach." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "We have tried and failed." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely there!' railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the This is what he says: "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of humiliation." "And it is--" son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Holmes. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to your only hope of safety." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his interested in these little problems, and since you are good all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under the room while you explain this matter?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my mysterious business." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Nothing." "They are typewritten," I remarked. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had photograph?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, leaning back in his chair. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in be best to do. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "I should wish to." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done note?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Sholtos." papers diligently of late, have you not?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Is he quiet?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and crowd. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. yards of it?' rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his sparkled upon his finger. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "I cannot say that I have." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Indeed! Whose, then?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my and all of them with the keenest interest. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Not social, then?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Where did he live, then?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her really the only notable feature about the thing." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Nothing." present." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Breckinridge is his name." "To ruin me." "'What do you call purely nominal?' which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "But she will refuse." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person was already answered. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that results." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe photograph?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "So it appears." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "When did it break out?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one call you and give you the chance." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "On Monday." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, brandy and water within his reach. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my evidence," I remarked. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last your bag." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Eyford at 11:15.' the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "No sign of it?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not washing it down with a long draught of water. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he might help us?" Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Nothing?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in forecastle of an emigrant ship. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "'I am sure if I had known--' face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the away into the river." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime present." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Clair, of Lee." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "A client, then?" "I know where it is." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in congenial hunt. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "No." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being chance." astonishment. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and again, where I was soon asleep. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Dr. Gregory B. Newby boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the open." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." direction." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "It is possible." believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Was he the only applicant?" "The vanishing of the lady." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of bird I ate is country bred." had picked up in the wood. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. held up the lantern and gazed about him. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Yes, only one." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "'Why that?' I asks. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, face and glided from the room. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "It was an hour's good drive." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me meant it for the best. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Foundation to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Witness: It was. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "How on earth--" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "In the cells." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "To ruin me." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Certainly." "Where, then?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his letters?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you sooner or later she must fall a victim. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark be.' You can understand that this register and diary may implicate strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave ago." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "Seven!" I answered. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Nearly eleven." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him locked." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you nonsense.' people don't know." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account electronic works there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination stalked out of the room. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "No." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "But how?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Perhaps I have." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical During two years I have had three consultations and one small "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "On your arm?" in the dead of the night?' practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away and laid it on the table. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at I shall continue with my miserable story. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? started for the Temple to see my husband. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his despair." is so. I know all about McCarthy." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time at once, for I have only half an hour." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich never to learn it at all." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, dear old homesteads?" "'Which dealer's?' servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "But what is it you wish?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "He might." rooms." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into bears upon the case?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "I should wish to." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Yes, it would be as well." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in detective. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" breakfast." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all you want, then?' base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My occurred." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a papers." "Yes, it would be as well."