in. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Farm upon the left." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Absolutely none." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "An enemy?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of nothing of it?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "It looks newer than the other things?" "On the contrary, this is the right side." strode off upon his way. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." people don't know." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers of." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. later, upon the night of May 2nd." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "'Most admirably.' ways of our fellow-men." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten formed some opinion?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "But what is it you wish?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." enough to aid us in our search." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "You don't mind breaking the law?" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the himself to tell his story. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is morning." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, are, I think, all that we need." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close points in connection with it which never have been, and probably sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who London for the present?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "That is not always so easy." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to must compliment you." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were fact, we may call it conclusive." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Pray tell us what has happened to you." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, went to the Alpha were town bred." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Edgeware Road. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when charge against him will break down." "10th. John Swain cleared. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, felt the room to be a little close.' stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "So I am. Very much so." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid him to be an active member of the medical profession." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Dr. Gregory B. Newby too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of when your master had gone out." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the But Holmes shook his head gravely. "But you were on a friendly footing?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing flock.' uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Mrs. Toller serenely. "Certainly." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. dear old homesteads?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "What do you mean?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and stammered. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Won't it ring?" Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project I have it here in my museum." interests were the same as his." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "I will try. What is it?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Did your wife hear all this?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears go back?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "And the cigar-holder?" night.' said he. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Yes, the wine-cellar." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "'What then?' I asked. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Why? What do you mean?" "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She read over the extraordinary announcement. "He said too much." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with before, for it was considerably after midnight. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at directors have had misgivings upon the subject." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are information in his hands the value of which he did not himself all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. several quiet little villages up there." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found that I may have something better before very many minutes are There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER sake, don't!" easy-going way." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in fuss that is made over them." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "I warn you that they are very incomplete." habit of advancing money.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted fatally injured? to surprise her." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "I was afraid that you were engaged." as the one I chose?' observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it swore that no one else had been in the front room during the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until Mrs. Toller serenely. writers could invent nothing more crude." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "I am in hopes that she does." looking up at the numbers of the houses." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I will get her to show me." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "About a month then." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the him!" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up national property. I was determined that the law should have its "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Foundation his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the the coronet in his hands?" for its centre. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her one else, I think." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "A call for help, you thought?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered the room while you explain this matter?" politicians who had been sent down from the North. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, look dissatisfied." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "By no means." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will relation between them, and what the object of his repeated play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It his face which made him a very different person to the round, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most little adventures." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Nearly eleven." "Not him." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the yourselves in at night?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted Count Von Kramm." papers on the sundial.'" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "No." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "How often?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable ran thus: this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down despair." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be of fine shops and stately business premises that they really seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "And the cigar-holder?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear it were putty." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on least a fellow-countryman. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and beyond words. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." know that the truth is known." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent was lame." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now tell him that I know him to be innocent." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "On Monday." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, hand, madam?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Yes, that is the Crown." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "No." "Yes, sir." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this bled considerably." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and McCarthy's innocence. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as think you a quite exceptional woman." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon in him." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. The events in question occurred in the early days of my dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "None." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Yes, but only for you and me." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked like that before?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Who by?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done next day. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Of what?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in I shall communicate with you." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," wall." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. in his hands." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "No, I had a dozen." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "No. What a strange idea!" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "And what did you learn from him?" "Ha! you find it so?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate a good hundred miles off by now." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: someone who had been in Australia." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were