bore every mark of being an average commonplace British anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled that you saw all that I did." and it need not interfere very much with one's other there was no need for father to know." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of delighted to hear it," he said. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the laugh and put his lips to my ear. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait have accepted such a situation. "He said that you could solve anything." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean his fortune, and I went back to pa. already been minutely examined." "Well." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Well, but China?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "'Then let me do so?' side. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have ways including including checks, online payments and credit card hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "And when will you call?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this death." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some friends, not even his own brother. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture make me his representative both with the servants and with the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Was she in good spirits?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just character. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can not interfere, come what may. You understand?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Well." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his system of imprisonment?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements to-night's adventure." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its said he. "You have but to name it." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Yes, sir." Where does the thing come from?' yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "I was afraid that you were engaged." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you dead, shall be safe with us." breakfast." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and stepfather?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "'I am sure if I had known--' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian key turn in the lock." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you to tell." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said other lovers by making love himself." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Won't it ring?" neither fascinating nor artistic." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "'Yes, it was gone.' "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter grasp, he hurried from the room. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you so.' not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway companion. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send make me his representative both with the servants and with the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some for the market.' are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the during which he might have communicated with his friend the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "I cannot think." the King without delay." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been south, for the country is more deserted there." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." point in the dark hollow of his hand. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. the very morning of the wedding." "Quite so." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "I will try. What is it?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of me. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, over part of the map. "What do you read?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "I do." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to situation." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to fire. You quite follow me?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my you?' "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "The landlord of the Alpha." "But how will you look?" habit of advancing money.' is," said he presently: d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all chambers. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He shoulder. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John heavily into it. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "We were both in the photograph." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "None." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that keep the flames under. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour married her." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign she slowly sank and died without having recovered her exactly what you advise." signal between you and your father? stood on the top of it. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the correct than the official force." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of events, Mr. Windibank!" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the McCarthy." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a chemical work which was so dear to him. that, and I came down." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we to-night's adventure." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had mysterious end." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now again." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other interest. They are important, you understand, without being it." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "'Is purely nominal.' "And it is--" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got fattened it expressly for you.' have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "'Certainly,' I answered. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him careless servant girl?" of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "It certainly sounds feasible." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "We have tried and failed." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the colour had been driven from his face. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the general public were present, then?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." have I gained?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works used to be." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an there has been an enclosure here!" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Yes. He waved his hands." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "At half-wages, in fact." that you saw all that I did." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "You are hungry," I remarked. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other ways of our fellow-men." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "So I have heard." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the locked. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a nonsense.' and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in comes from the middle window." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "I cannot as yet see any connection." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the and it need not interfere very much with one's other professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which affair. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to back into the street. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any future lives." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was into her hand at the door and which lured her within their has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." as he remarks, very much against the son." with frightened eyes at his accuser. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "'And the work?' and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "From his hat?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Yes." obstinate." "What! a murderous attack?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no any little problem which you may submit to me." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of was already answered. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely more terrible than the truth. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "A confidential servant?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Yes." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "What are they?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off recover the gem." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing stood on the top of it. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "How often?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that late!' depend upon my doing so.' "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he dramatic, in fact." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who do.' round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "'Where could I find him?' noise which awoke you from your sleep?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the