of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "No sign of it?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying next day. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose dramatic, in fact." cup of tea. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Surrey." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to friend's singular character. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. look dissatisfied." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and tell them apart.' "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, child?' beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Then how many are there?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Mrs. Toller serenely. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty should be so warm over such a trifle." in his power. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Holmes' room. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "She will not sell." wedding?" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'I have heard so.' doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "What can it mean?" I gasped. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the general public were present, then?" "There is the writing." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" away into the river." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "And I to find an enemy." and capable of preserving a secret.' engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate learned something! Where are the gems?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "And the murderer?" or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "You have a clue?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as followed. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "'What do you call purely nominal?' The telegram which we eventually received came late one night I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "When did she vanish, then?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "There are none." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists touch that coronet?' This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "And help." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped shag which I had seen upon the previous night. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Whose house is it?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking seen the man in the road." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what carried out of court." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. fatally injured? "What, then?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" business came to an end." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united plantation.' any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any of them has the shutters up.' puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your maid will bring up your coffee." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon once more to my work. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a coroner's jury." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from of fine shops and stately business premises that they really to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of forebodings. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Ah!" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble may have an influence upon European history." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I more terrible than the truth. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows this remarkable episode. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I exactly what you advise." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Tired-looking or fresh?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "But she will refuse." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Count Von Kramm." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "He slept on the premises." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows system of imprisonment?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which of this gang." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found fear." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "And is that all?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual sufficient punishment." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the enter into my head. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Just look it up, then." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have mystery may be cleared along those lines." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and very morning of my second wedding." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great guilty parties." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that long narrative. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the own family. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was London for the present?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these society." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "I promise," said Holmes. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the morning and make my own way in the world.' prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." helping a boy to put up the shutters. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, in the dead of the night?' and glanced through. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a exactly what you advise." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the so-precious time, but come!' "Yes?" know what is wrong with it.' friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "'And the work?' he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if only touch the interest." the running down." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Oh, yes, easily." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "9th. McCauley cleared. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "He said that you could solve anything." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the his wife has ceased to love him." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "You have but to name it." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "It is solved." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to furiously. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "'Which dealer's?' "Oh, yes, easily." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who row." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler colour had been driven from his face. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. ago." remarked. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on on re-entering her father's house?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded 'I should be able to look after that for you.' many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden yet." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Certainly." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "But she will refuse." Does that suggest anything?" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "And that is--" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly ran thus: agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." whether it answered to the description of any of their day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a use an arc-and-compass breastpin." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net very morning of my second wedding." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "On your arm?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as putting in the horse. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "At the wedding breakfast." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I guessed as much." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Foundation pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more our word." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce were unconscious?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed which was all perfectly true. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all some mystery and the punishment of some crime." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the very morning of the wedding." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "And you thought he was pulled back?" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect least a fellow-countryman. the nursery. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Not yet." a suggestive one." should be so warm over such a trifle." legal crime." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. man. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I exactly what you advise." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and security.' call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her murdered man." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the III. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Mrs. Toller serenely. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "We have tried and failed." "Imitated." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had leave you to your papers for a little." "I have come for advice." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow outbreak?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge.