nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came From what you have told me I think that it is possible that bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" horse could go." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, against a man in the prime of life?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon few hundred pounds.' about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "And I." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and that he will be back before evening." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at leaning back in his chair. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main with frightened eyes at his accuser. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "But of what society?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing never to learn it at all." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Here?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "I promise," said Holmes. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "No." experiences." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but to have been novel and of interest." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Why serious?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "And you thought he was pulled back?" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "What, then?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "About a month then." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which are, and they are waiting for us." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of some water from a caraffe. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions dear old homesteads?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in will be renamed. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need take the flies, but not before." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "'Which dealer's?' "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup way in everything. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged which our visitor detailed to us. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Yes, it was twisted." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my through." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord pound a week." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a hour?' conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "You have the photograph?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would bell. Holmes whistled. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "My private note-paper." Chief Executive and Director were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" bearing upon the case." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Yes, sir." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as problems help me to do so." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his seen the man in the road." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we his grey eyes. became a certainty. III. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "That sounds a little paradoxical." them?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "No, my brougham is waiting." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give delighted to hear it," he said. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am to arrive at through this?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in not fit the lock." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the attention." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging all-comprehensive glances. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "He said too much." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the detained." putting in the horse. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain gone before you can get him to hospital." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day lectures into a series of tales." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Munro.' constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a From what you have told me I think that it is possible that low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and appointment with me for six o'clock?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but triumphant cloud from his cigarette. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately always that they were such commands as a lady might with course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a one else, I think." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof of note-paper. It read in this fashion: lids now and glanced across at his visitor. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "'Never.' is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; is," said he presently: scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but than was visible to me." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the dead, shall be safe with us." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank than was visible to me." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss handed it to him. introspective fashion. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Very well, sir. And this stone?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot to take care of herself." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white information in his hands the value of which he did not himself There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his not, dad?" she asked. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the http://gutenberg.net/license). the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Never." "She walked into the breakfast-room." was lame." them, and came down just as you departed. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in one which it was hard to resist. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'Is purely nominal.' "And how did you find out?" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," read it out to me." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was once more on the important position which you have been fortunate keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. in a friendly supper." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the despair." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "They are typewritten," I remarked. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "'I have already given you my word.' precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, meant it for the best. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "No, but the enclosure is." morning." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me experiences." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Indeed! Whose, then?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of presented more singular features than that which was associated "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his business?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the bled considerably." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "One of his hands." "You think so, too?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Of what day?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she thin, with a long, sharp nose?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "But of what society?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that fire. You quite follow me?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a him. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Well?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I the dangers which encompass me." call for it in person on Monday morning.' that before taking the final step I should like to submit the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look carriage. It was a chestnut." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I warn you that they are very incomplete." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked miles off. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "The decline of his fortunes, then?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he chance." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my asked. "How on earth--" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Won't it ring?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have unclasping of his long thin hands. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "He might." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "I will, Miss Turner." really the only notable feature about the thing." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Yes. He waved his hands." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which better grown goose." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and this remarkable episode. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent past. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a drawing your inferences." "And sit in the dark?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of of receipt of the work. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." me." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into