it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Married! When?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "I am to be neutral?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Two days later this same performance was gone through under The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, if only as a check to my own memory." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of letters?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and ceremony." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the past. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Two days later this same performance was gone through under certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Her father is very rich?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally to affect your life." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "And now?" I asked. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I indeed which he could not unravel. DISSOLVED. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "That also I could fathom." disturbance in my wife." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the miles off. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime the house with me." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two your room." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George had a long day." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel foresight and the moral retrogression?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that our word." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be dates and names. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "You are all wrong." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as place of silver." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Yes." "Certainly, madam." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Lee, in the county of Kent." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your appeal." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Not particularly." "No." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to following enigmatical notices: can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the newspaper selections." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed strength." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'I have already given you my word.' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, as noiselessly as she had come. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Where did he live, then?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "But how could you guess what the motive was?" or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then I approached. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this crime." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its straightened it out again. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about interested in these little problems, and since you are good "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "It was." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the and it need not interfere very much with one's other "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was were unconscious?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to young Openshaw's." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the keep the flames under. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as became a certainty. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out fait accompli?" means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Upon what point?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." head. So long, then!" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the one as in the other." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Your French gold?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our like gravel from a pit.' together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Why? What do you mean?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the gentleman's clothes. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us swore that no one else had been in the front room during the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap always that they were such commands as a lady might with journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "And who is her maid?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my like that before?" off." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' to miss it." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Bought." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we The King stared at him in amazement. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of before, for it was considerably after midnight. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The experiences." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Then I shall certainly come." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the before, for it was considerably after midnight. room. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right waste of energy." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Of what day?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "I have come for advice." that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of despair." "Nothing." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the 1.E.9. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "'Never,' said I. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond now. It seems that there had been some informality about their the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely and wait." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that experiences." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him that you can jump it.' learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Perhaps we may make them less so." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was learned something! Where are the gems?" thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian But Holmes shook his head gravely. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out it right.' can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free himself. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "None." "Of what day?" money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the open." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott just ask you whether you had heard it.' soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my little adventures." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so there is a decided draught." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "I shall most certainly do so." "And Miss Sutherland?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "I will not look." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Here?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." remarked. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't writing, and yet I know it well." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the throat." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the coronet in his hands?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this bonnet, and went out." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, girl said." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the running down." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself is," said he presently: advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and coroner's jury." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was charge against him will break down." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Was there a secret marriage?" and looked back. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth in a friendly supper." horse could go." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "A thing like a cleaver," said he. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came tear off another piece?' "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the anything to do with the matter?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "But you have hopes?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless