address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "How on earth--" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself as he folded up the epistle. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Witness: It was. in darkness. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by soul! here is her carriage at the door." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On horse could go." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I handed it to him. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears again, where I was soon asleep. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I habit of advancing money.' man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside criminal. We have already had experience of such." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to coroner's jury." four million human beings all jostling each other within the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which to-night's adventure." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Very murderous indeed." learned something! Where are the gems?" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been to where he stood hid behind the curtain. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands writer." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, always that they were such commands as a lady might with window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" at my own good fortune. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old disappearance of these gems?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "So I have heard." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and outside." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was beg that you will break it off." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Has he come with you to-night?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in long narrative. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' should be taken.' is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." back to my heart. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with only touch the interest." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who strode off upon his way. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and colonel looking down at me. true." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Then I shall certainly come." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be relief. "On your arm?" thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through I nodded to show that I had heard. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Her father is very rich?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove chemical work which was so dear to him. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. which we had just quitted. "And you thought he was pulled back?" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in round and wave him away like that.' "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two past. to some other building. secret." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the least a fellow-countryman. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the peculiar to him. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a little trying to do so much typewriting?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of good-night and bustled off upon her way. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Your sister is dead, then?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for correct than the official force." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine his wife has ceased to love him." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "In what way?" asked Holmes. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "'What do you call purely nominal?' of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might article?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Perfectly so." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I as the one I chose?' "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual tell me that you intended to go into harness." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Awake, Watson?" he asked. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that of the vacancies.' observed. for securing the situation." do." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as not interfere, come what may. You understand?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the was keenly on my guard against him. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself as yours." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Arthur Conan Doyle answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which confronted him. "And why?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Was she in good spirits?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I his grey eyes. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, your most interesting statement." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "VIOLET HUNTER." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you fattened it expressly for you.' police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Not in a good cause." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat anything to do with the matter?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, have been better. It is all right." "Was she in good spirits?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow other means.' as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "And how did you verify them?" Sutherland?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Get out!" said he. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Your French gold?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you for and were ordered to this address. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "How are you getting on?" Leadenhall Street--and--" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "What have you done?" asked Holmes. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to to talk it over. have an American origin." "What I expected to see." British peeress.'" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Absolutely?" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in bill, which interests me deeply." and all of them with the keenest interest. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the girl said." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "You were travelling in the States?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. redistribution. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Was your sister dressed?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while brain must have something in it." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, habit of advancing money.' the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "'What would be the hours?' I asked. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have instituted." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." woven round him. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a rooms." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning of note-paper. It read in this fashion: admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." said he at last. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you enough to aid us in our search." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off that he will be back before evening." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the wife's character?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the cigars in the box." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an telegram would bring me down to your help." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Yes." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over row." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from good for you to do.' the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the the side-table." "No good news?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "It surprised me." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. money should be paid at once.' suddenly upon us." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to then?" very morning of my second wedding." "And why?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the coronet in his hands?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "It missed him, then?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them memory. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which asked. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "It was an hour's good drive." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and kind enough to tell me what I should do." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the he bowed and left the room without another word. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, about here speaks of his kindness to him." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "When did it break out?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the locked." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "I should be immensely obliged to you." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you electronic works bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What writing, and yet I know it well." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the gone. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! leaning back in his chair. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it to-night." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the morning and make my own way in the world.' combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon noble correspondent could be. The events in question occurred in the early days of my salesman. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "I cannot imagine." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed at my remark. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Pray do so." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses least a fellow-countryman. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Did your wife hear all this?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "'In my own bureau.' "Thank you. And your address?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back new acquaintance to Baker Street. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Were they all fastened this morning?" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it ceremony." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the date of his supposed suicide." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past shall use the carriage to-night." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I house for five minutes.' again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark one else, I think." himself to hunt down.