"'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "I fear not." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a forebodings. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very new duties?' "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "I have solved it." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to you, my dear young lady?' his knees, staring into the fire. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "In the cells." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have troubles have been weighing upon his mind. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of go from here to the Strand." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." over here." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Yes." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently together. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." dear old homesteads?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "And how in the world did you find them?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly cigars in the box." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other think that he is innocent?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark as this. Pray let me have the details." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove silent! Oh, he will be silent!' had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the ordinary clothes on?" ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do the date of his supposed suicide." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "You have but to name it." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." your billet.' which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, Arthur Conan Doyle Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Yes, I have one waiting." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Does that suggest anything?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. tension within him. occurred." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with system of imprisonment?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Will you bet, then?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' have I gained?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to along the entire front of the house, with three long windows sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Really! You surprise me." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington meant it for the best. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would thirty. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "I will do it." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had had picked up in the wood. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who in his power. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "And for present expenses?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Eyford at 11:15.' the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my subject to the trademark license, especially commercial performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Breckinridge is his name." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Why did you pick him?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon this as likely?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took in his hands." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the tragedy. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Street. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "'And what are they worth?' I asked. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you into the bag, and made for the door. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had said I. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned to affect your life." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a undoubtedly my uncle's." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to any little problem which you may submit to me." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this may have an influence upon European history." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian particular state visit http://pglaf.org making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "You think that he is dead?" salesman. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "We were both in the photograph." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was bears upon the case?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case it? Did I buy the geese off you?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new answer." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it me. You must get home instantly and act." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The details should find their way into the papers. Inspector how narrow had been my escape. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come nothing with him." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little right! Sit down and let us talk it over." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "My photograph." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting memory. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, recover the gem." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, clanging. anything to do with the matter?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Yes, he did." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. appointment with me for six o'clock?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second it." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "You know me, then?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' himself to tell his story. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. 1.F. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with your only hope of safety." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the tragedy. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a morning." "In what way?" asked Holmes. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Foundation him!" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "You think that he is dead?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded persecution?" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the tragedy. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall License. You must require such a user to return or and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a said he. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from careless servant girl?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Because he was handy and would come cheap." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. dear old homesteads?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the bed, and you in that chair." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the morning and make my own way in the world.' he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Arthur Conan Doyle and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "About a month then." him to be an active member of the medical profession." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for to that open window." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Certainly, madam." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the so-precious time, but come!' interest. They are important, you understand, without being residence of the great financier. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I see no marks." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some system of imprisonment?" "That sounds a little paradoxical." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not people don't know." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire that as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who asked with his eyes open. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon heavy and sharp instrument." "VIOLET HUNTER." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the papers." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Then how many are there?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about you came in." help us in this matter." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off ran thus: some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "What of the rat, then?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small cost them two and thirty pounds." "Get out!" said he. "I would give my fortune to have them back." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Is he quiet?" both be extremely obliged.' "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "What, then, did Peterson do?" "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "But who is he?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any as noiselessly as she had come. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it is now desirous of getting those letters back." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Where is it, then?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best pictures, libraries, or plate. leave you to your papers for a little." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very