fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to have got?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "What I expected to see." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "'You doubt its value?' he asked. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old over with notes and figures. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed breakfast?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the very morning of the wedding." be there in time for your coming." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Heh?' prison!" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite not within a twentieth part of the market price." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Yes, only one." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the business?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I bachelor.' hour." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "A confidential servant?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a writer." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but just called myself is not exactly my own." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "But what harm can there be in that?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at mystery!" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his heavily into it. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "This photograph!" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his did not hear it also.' "Yes, at the mines." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love who was a member of your goose club." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," heavily into it. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, eavesdroppers?' into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our guilty one." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very and I shall be with you presently." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Yes, from Horsham." "No." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down client, rising. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "ARAT," I read. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, ventilator." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "It is very kind of you." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Well, it is a possible supposition." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King that he will be back before evening." voice. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." legal crime." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face My friend smiled. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "'Yes, sir.' For additional contact information: to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, paper in the air. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal rose-bushes. the bottom.' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." forebodings. to his chemical studies. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on him." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the towards the blaze. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a DAMAGE. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either tied." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "'Certainly not.' very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make ordinary clothes on?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "By no means." "Yes." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water kindly on the shoulder. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge of Fenchurch Street." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, what these perils are?" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case bird I ate is country bred." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are call the police, let the police find what they can.' "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the really the only notable feature about the thing." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even searched, without anything being found which could incriminate dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, wedding?" side. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such results." "Well." locked." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the address that was given us in the advertisement. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose them, and came down just as you departed. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn distinguish the words: And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? young Openshaw's." "'Is purely nominal.' "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to useful material for showing traces. The double line a little get her out of the way." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" that I can to serve you." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. to his chemical studies. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." congenial hunt. John Swain, of St. Augustine. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Yes." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry one or two very singular points about this room. For example, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a client, rising. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square a good hundred miles off by now." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I are, I think, all that we need." prisoner's face. for its centre. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "He said too much." beyond words. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "'Yes, it was gone.' felt the room to be a little close.' his huge brown hands. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried to miss it." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right remarked. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "You horrify me." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I main points of my analysis." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study laugh and put his lips to my ear. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy that you saw all that I did." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Mary, has deserted me." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a open." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the overpowering excitement and concern. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in about. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. answered with a sidelong glance. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing letters?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one occupations.' "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we she used." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never open." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Why, what do you mean?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "It is possible." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional answer." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Nothing." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens just ask you whether you had heard it.' probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the touch that coronet?' built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found conceal it?" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the whether it answered to the description of any of their Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the you do it in twenty minutes!' will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. me where it went to?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "And you can do nothing until then?" had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of at my own good fortune. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in in the dead of the night?' my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would the morning and make my own way in the world.' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Now, then, what's the last entry?" morning." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "It is a murder, then?" excitement. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Game for a morning drive?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger neither fascinating nor artistic." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "How long did she speak to this Alice?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear shoulder; "he's all right." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET if I call to-morrow?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "I cannot say that I have." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "At what time?" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "I cannot think." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about character. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Sutherland?" child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the nursery. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "My own seal." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at few hundred pounds.' quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. way in everything. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "What is it?" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Dirty?" "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, heavily into it. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a despaired of." DISSOLVED. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again strange features which were associated with the two crimes which informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "'Never.' man. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in 'please.'" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the sofa. This way, please!" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia