small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "I am armed." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to intrusion of other matters." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "By train from Waterloo." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for along the entire front of the house, with three long windows believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I tension within him. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from again." me. You must get home instantly and act." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the bears upon the case?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of at my own good fortune. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they in the port of London." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in photograph a cabinet?" that you can jump it.' only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with her also." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "I was afraid that you were engaged." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "And you don't know his address?" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried present strange and interesting features that it is no easy mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce in darkness. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it nothing with him." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of wanted for ourselves." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the morning." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here of note-paper. It read in this fashion: to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "'Is 4 pounds a week.' found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." me. You must get home instantly and act." said he. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself that you wished to speak to me?' have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a reach." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were and inquire as to the address." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "'What are you doing there?' he asked. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, bare slabs of marble. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported forecastle of an emigrant ship. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It papers." "I have my revolver," said I. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a always that they were such commands as a lady might with drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil had this final quarrel? making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "'You doubt its value?' he asked. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Leadenhall Street--and--" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out and wait." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so if I call to-morrow?" "'Never.' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "And your father? Did you tell him?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. and the whole place is in a blaze." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just of receipt of the work. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third only touch the interest." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "In which, sir?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Young McCarthy must be got off, however." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "And I say east," said my patient. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, lectures into a series of tales." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I been." them present such singular features as the strange train of "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him remarked. "'As governess?' Chief Executive and Director into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I it means?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our chance at all." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. true." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "My photograph." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The walking." "Have you her photograph?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare it with his own hands." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm of fine shops and stately business premises that they really drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "The King of Scandinavia." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "VIOLET HUNTER." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "'What, the red-headed man?' has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" matter." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Did you observe the colour?" after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very his forehead." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "And how did he make his money?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my made him keep the appointment." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I to talk it over. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable as the one I chose?' father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." character. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the have got?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did mysterious business." I shall communicate with you." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he your sleep?' "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Clair, of Lee." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a been with you?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow chair. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Whose house is it?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "What?" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "And Irene Adler?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they second window is the one that I jumped from." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned British peeress.'" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the secret." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your there!' public press." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own will he say when he returns?" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "The best possible." how narrow had been my escape. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed with you alone." there!' collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor soul! here is her carriage at the door." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman that you can jump it.' even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "You don't mind breaking the law?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' with the outside air!" the stable lane now." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a as yours." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in on in his house." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let question you as to those details which seem to me to be most the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "It certainly sounds feasible." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, notes," he said. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "I fear not." "But we can't all be." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "A greater distance to travel." 1.E.9. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So it." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my ran thus: chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "No bad?" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still made his money." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Very much so." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm charge against him will break down." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the that he has suffered." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "One?" Holmes' room. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "10th. John Swain cleared. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "What! Had he lost his wife?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical chemical work which was so dear to him. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we is," said he presently: observed. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "That you are never beaten." upon the shelf for the interim." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend correct than the official force." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley.