'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon in this note: after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" relief. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "And I." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a this poor creature." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had once more. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Nothing?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has I shall continue with my miserable story. your troubles." if I call to-morrow?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square feature." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, in his hands." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. carried out of court." to affect your life." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was for and were ordered to this address. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called in the dead of the night?' avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "What!" he roared. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "I am in hopes that she does." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers was a loud and authoritative tap. "Absolutely none." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are you do it in twenty minutes!' "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Holmes, the busybody!" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Countess of Morcar's?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was unkempt, staring out at me. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with written, and locked the door of the office after me. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we to a light-house. "I have seen the police." go--none." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man awaited us upon the table. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am astonishment. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "VIOLET HUNTER." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I were unconscious?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. any more." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Ah!" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the o'clock is it?" the ceiling. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There His name is Francis Prosper." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood arrested. You then--" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross she slowly sank and died without having recovered her out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set him to go away.' Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another tail." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "None." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had depend upon my doing so.' "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" do.' cigar and let me expound." sake, don't!" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Yes." crowd. "Was your sister dressed?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you once more to my work. "No." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call least a most suspicious remark." question. was feeling which was the fattest.' of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "And why?" spare." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to girl said." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "'What are you doing there?' he asked. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what his knees, staring into the fire. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City one of the states of the Union." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "'What, the red-headed man?' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On is so. I know all about McCarthy." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "She showed me, as I told you she would." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "'Ample.' "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to nights." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it DAMAGE. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and address. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Yes, only one." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and The telegram which we eventually received came late one night set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any what do you think they found in the pockets?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a and looked back. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to married her." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the astonishment. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "I have a cab outside." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Then, how do you know?" "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "But he might be a bachelor." the loss of it. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'A dozen yards or so.' "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" my room." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him What do you deduce from it?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "None." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal fluttered off among the others. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! you." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, British peeress.'" should be taken.' prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I cannot think." fishes. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, carried out of court." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "There are none." Edgeware Road. "Not particularly." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the wedding?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and been anything against him. He had for years been known as a having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your weighed down with some great anxiety. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "And is that all?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, new duties?' fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the get the tickets." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a figure." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "My photograph." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have completely overtopped every other consideration that we both if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "A client, then?" "'Yes.' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police eat it." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we train from Paddington which would bring you there at about cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Does that suggest anything?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "And did you observe any change in her then?" outside. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." works. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just despaired of." forbidden door. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "It is no ordinary one." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "He is still with you, I presume?" any little problem which you may submit to me." annoyance, but no jest. meanly of me." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Won't it ring?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded kind enough to tell me what I should do." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "'Is purely nominal.' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat with you alone." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "'I have heard so.' Cross for the Continent." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the of his shoulders. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a which should have the effect of calling the attention of the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my be there in time for your coming." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a side. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and that you can jump it.' when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and brought there to personate someone, and the real person is abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Because he was handy and would come cheap." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the