colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Where, then?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET kind enough to tell me what I should do." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Nothing?" dramatic, in fact." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative directors have had misgivings upon the subject." answered with a sidelong glance. "Never to return." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said is so. I know all about McCarthy." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the address that was given us in the advertisement. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "I am sure." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Yes." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the salesman. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "And is that all?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though I shall communicate with you." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. bell. Holmes whistled. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on guilty one." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I may never be exposed to such a temptation." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. interest. They are important, you understand, without being used to be." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the correct than the official force." easy-going way." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There room had already been engaged for us. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the bled considerably." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner October 9, 1890. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "But you have hopes?" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "'Never,' said I. upon the white wrist. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "On Monday." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each hands. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the very morning of the wedding." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his The events in question occurred in the early days of my He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly not come at once?" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, papers diligently of late, have you not?" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently The note was undated, and without either signature or address. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Have you good authority for what you say?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked James Windibank. Voilà tout!" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own the south-west, I see." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "No, I am descending." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a written. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and undoubtedly my uncle's." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. this man was intellectual?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, noting anything else of interest. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. envelope. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "I am armed." that you wished to speak to me?' surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "And how?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he of this gang." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Doctor, of the paper and the date." house for five minutes.' "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "But who is he?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it front of me. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." visitors." as he remarks, very much against the son." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "In which, sir?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should hour?' photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Cross for the Continent." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little bonnet, and went out." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just might help us?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their should be taken.' the date of his supposed suicide." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used in the dead of the night?' overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Yes, only one." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'I am sure if I had known--' think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Where does the thing come from?' heavily into it. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never whereabouts. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this that there was nothing in it, after all." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper call for protection in the marriage market, for the present where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a your most interesting statement." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that generous with you in money matters.' beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the married her." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin third from London." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it better in every way that they should make their position a little expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "'There is a drive, then?' where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Do you know him?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "No, I think that I'll take it." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "On Monday." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Stolen, then." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his have I gained?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple people in all walks of life. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly strode off upon his way. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "And how in the world did you find them?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "9th. McCauley cleared. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than in him." of a light. new duties?' Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he used to be." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," house for five minutes.' "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be observed. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. secret." and the whole place is in a blaze." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, again, where I was soon asleep. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "'Entirely.' civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be certainly not very gracious." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon touch that coronet?' commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "The knees of his trousers." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "It was an hour's good drive." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I said I. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in good for you to do.' "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "You have but to name it." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked upon a handsome competence. galvanised. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We public press." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my said he, "my real name is James Ryder." light and attacked it." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "By no means." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, village inn over there?" better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the had this final quarrel? we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "What! a murderous attack?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, prisoner's face. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help off." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "I am in hopes that she does." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do good for you to do.' that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for you?' often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not just called myself is not exactly my own." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the without a word or a look. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots to-night's adventure." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every hereditary King of Bohemia." the inner apartment." where we are going." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might I am not easy in my mind about them." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. have been better. It is all right." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I have been better. It is all right." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. of the vacancies.' definite end. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You McCarthy's innocence. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "You will not go there first?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have