is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? delirious. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Pray be precise as to details," said he. companion. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "'And the work?' heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the II. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I had formerly been in part my own. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm your troubles." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Precisely so. But how--" up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it you in yours." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." bonnet, and went out." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special both be extremely obliged.' river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'Yes, it was gone.' money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked promised to bring home. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life bonnet, and went out." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the entirely lost his self-respect." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I affection." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock sound at heart." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Well." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a have accepted such a situation. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "But his left-handedness." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of definite end. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better kind enough to tell me what I should do." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the me. You must get home instantly and act." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Leave Paddington by the 11:15." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my floor. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the lamp. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no individual and becomes the badge of a society." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a felt the room to be a little close.' believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "No, distinctly professional." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as door?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, possible that we could bring him back to her? "Of Friday, June 19th." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was pity, because in other respects you would really have done very photograph?" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "And why?" security.' eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora During two years I have had three consultations and one small should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection security.' between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "And on what day did he meet his death?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "How are you getting on?" maid will bring up your coffee." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Where is it, then?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, will not take me long to tell. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Do you go out much in society?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." and capable of preserving a secret.' shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle disappearance of these gems?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. himself. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias sooner or later she must fall a victim. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "The gentleman I describe." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips his face which made him a very different person to the round, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel paper in the air. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See more solid." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a three fields round his house, and there he would take his outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but beyond words. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "He said that you could solve anything." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my whereabouts. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You child?' self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he rooms." never came back." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt bears upon the case?" "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises the little opening for the ventilator is." woman." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Stoke Moran." companion. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our are, and they are waiting for us." "They are typewritten," I remarked. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Holmes' thin, eager face. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the coroner come to?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my narrative." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what it." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and I was concerned in it." deduce something from that?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed sooner or later she must fall a victim. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some strong reason behind." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said it." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." already been minutely examined." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied corner of the building. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "None. Neville wrote those words." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. his cane at the bell-pull. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore plantation.' "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. weapon." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I will, Miss Turner." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the of a light. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. guilty parties." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the once more. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of along the entire front of the house, with three long windows was not a bird to be seen there. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "But of what society?" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door best detective that ever lived. "But how did you gain them?" "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "And leave your case unfinished?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Look there!" said he. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "I don't believe it." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. wall." fled together." "Where, then?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "No." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "He disappeared so suddenly." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. you do it in twenty minutes!' to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Yes, only one." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "And it is--" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "And is that all?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "What steps will you take?" I asked. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Seven!" I answered. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Edgeware Road. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is friend's singular character. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "But your client--" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the that you wished to speak to me?' hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' in my life." more solid." the coronet at all injured?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet brought there to personate someone, and the real person is he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and roused himself from his reverie. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "I assure you that I am in your hands." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in to have that photograph." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still little adventures." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. your Highness to the police-station?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know floor. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. stepfather?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Did he not advertise?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much cheerful." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Yes, sir." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in to a light-house. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is if only as a check to my own memory." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "'Quite sure, dad.' "What are they?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "It is a murder, then?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate to me. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right to have that photograph." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, unclasping of his long thin hands. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An companion imperturbably. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not client, rising. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, highly," said Holmes. it with his own hands." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Oh, the cause is excellent!" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round been lifted and conveyed somewhere." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Why, what do you mean?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "He is still with you, I presume?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. bearing upon the case." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I breakfast?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Certainly." possible that we could bring him back to her? now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the