of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "It goes to the housekeeper's room." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "So I have heard." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned there were so many in the whole country as were brought together you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but you?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Never." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "I am still in the dark." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. to change my dress. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend to take care of herself." Countess of Morcar's?" there has been an enclosure here!" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "One?" "I was mad--insane." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten learned something! Where are the gems?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that humiliation." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his some terrible trap for her." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper me what he had done with the three missing stones. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, better grown goose." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle crime." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "I have solved it." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. dramatic, in fact." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his must be when I saw the door open.' you do it in twenty minutes!' For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Did your wife hear all this?" is acting for the best. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Where, then?" good-night and bustled off upon her way. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a to have been novel and of interest." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. been able to understand it, in a very few words. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "I shall most certainly do so." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Very much so." pound a week." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources intimate personal affairs in this public manner." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could as he folded up the epistle. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such into her hand at the door and which lured her within their fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of meant it for the best. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his these bleak autumnal evenings." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "It is possible." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent away to you." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." your equipment. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: from the brougham. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "My Mary? Impossible!" "What will you say?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "She told me to ask you." she might be summoned. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Yes, the wine-cellar." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Nothing?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then with her." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" how narrow had been my escape. "And is that all?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." "'Is purely nominal.' My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all might help us?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able populous neighbourhood." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated gone before you can get him to hospital." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was conclusions. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Was your sister dressed?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the sneer upon his pale face. we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "I beg pardon." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Ah!" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that forebodings. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which he bowed and left the room without another word. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Just look it up, then." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a answer." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "When did she vanish, then?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. that I may have something better before very many minutes are stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. towards the blaze. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "But what will you do?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing over part of the map. "What do you read?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." fuss that is made over them." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be your bag." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "One?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a morning." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "'Certainly not.' "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met mystery." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House certainly do as you advise." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." whether it answered to the description of any of their "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has words came to my lips. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and infinite languor in his face. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the house with me." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations affair. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "And Irene Adler?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the conduct the inquiry." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Why? What do you mean?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed hour?' slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" to-night?" I asked. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Yes." "The Coroner: What do you mean? Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a his cane at the bell-pull. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me friend's singular character. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by obstinate." "He disappeared so suddenly." three fields round his house, and there he would take his a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less was shining brightly. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "How do you know, then?" awkward doing business with an alias." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" coat-tails." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward without success. At last the little money which I had saved began directly by questioning you." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Sutherland?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly individual and becomes the badge of a society." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the said I. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest McCarthy." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the fat-encircled eyes. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but appeared upon the scene." what is your own theory as to what took place?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen mystery may be cleared along those lines." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a digesting their breakfasts at home." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a me, and I could not think that his explanation of the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault to tackle the facts." "Who by?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through *** START: FULL LICENSE *** signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "And that is--" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three outbreak?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which upon an income of about 60 pounds." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his had this final quarrel? you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate nights." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. interest. They are important, you understand, without being as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been investigation." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." business." "It looks newer than the other things?" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing astonishment. "I will try. What is it?" daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the made him keep the appointment." indiscretion." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of vanished into the darkness. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "And what then?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their passage and a tap at the door. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, the ceiling. "I know where it is." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "By all means." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "I warn you that they are very incomplete." me." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely photograph?" "I think it very unlikely." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." chemical work which was so dear to him. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'And what salary do you ask?' with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it once more. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that have one." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "I am sure." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Which surely he restored to their owner?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. better grown goose." made his money." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Have you good authority for what you say?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must