This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting congenial hunt. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection notes," he said. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the nursery. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." people don't know." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "So I have heard." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out shag which I had seen upon the previous night. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house friends, not even his own brother. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "So it appears." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of electronic works when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it point in the dark hollow of his hand. me where it went to?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: true." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I am still in the dark." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of village inn over there?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced front of me. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "If so, much may have happened between." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "The doctor?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for client, rising. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. call you and give you the chance." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that events than those which have happened in my own family." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "'A dozen yards or so.' among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a it. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Will you bet, then?" equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat and all of them with the keenest interest. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Why did you pick him?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "'I have heard so.' "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "You horrify me." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "About a month then." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I foresight and the moral retrogression?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "But you would not advise me to refuse?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "'Quite sure, dad.' "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this away in different directions, and I went off to make my own bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may ordinary clothes on?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him pity, because in other respects you would really have done very may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I key of the affair now." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held observed. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "But it has twice been burgled." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was upon the shelf for the interim." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper better grown goose." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" to a more successful conclusion." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Yes." death." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody dear old homesteads?" "Pray let us have it, for all that." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "What, then?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in orange pips. not as remarkable as your advertisement." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking business matters.' Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his not, dad?" she asked. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "I say that I have solved it." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical newspaper selections." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported outside." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Holmes. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at back alive. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of clanging. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the a very grave face. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang brandy and water within his reach. such person." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "My dear Holmes!" "Did your wife hear all this?" "How did you deduce the select?" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from such attractions and accomplishments?' As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which points to suicide?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see DAMAGE. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "I say that I have solved it." nights." "I cannot tell." forebodings. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her and laid it on the table. spark where all is dark to me." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless assist you in forming an opinion." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "The Coroner: What do you mean? that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Were they all fastened this morning?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be forecastle of an emigrant ship. annoyance, but no jest. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow maiden herself was most instructive." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "'Yes.' was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" in one or two places in England?' reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me brain must have something in it." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "What I expected to see." "It certainly sounds feasible." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which three fields round his house, and there he would take his that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke something of him before." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she chair. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One approach us with offers to donate. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards pictures, libraries, or plate. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small tell him that I know him to be innocent." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well excitement. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he in my life." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed you understand?" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I from the brougham. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Then, how do you know?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I cannot tell." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "What?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this events, Mr. Windibank!" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "No, finished." "Very. But will he see it?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice should be so warm over such a trifle." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons dramatic, in fact." murdered man." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "To an end?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." if I call to-morrow?" window when the police appeared." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "I am sure." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the side. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. III. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. me have 200 pounds?' the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are the stones. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into sake, don't!" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "VIOLET HUNTER." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "And I to find an enemy." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon believe that I should never have any practice at all. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business what do you think they found in the pockets?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused enter Dr. Roylott's room." wedding?" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "'Yes, sir.' "If so, much may have happened between." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Then I am your man." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more present." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood hard-headed British jury." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "One of his hands." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine John Swain, of St. Augustine. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that copied or distributed: "Nearly eleven." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding intrusion of other matters." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as death." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "It looks newer than the other things?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what affection." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon bled considerably." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal writers could invent nothing more crude." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "At what time?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Ah, but I was recommended to you." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "It missed him, then?" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "What is it, then--a fire?" passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the gives a meaning to it." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you power." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major