if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which three of the beryls in it, was missing. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and during which he might have communicated with his friend the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Nearly eleven." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little I think that I could be of assistance to you." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Oh, fresh and glossy." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The room had already been engaged for us. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "I was afraid that you were engaged." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Yes, from Horsham." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he you want, then?' I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "No good news?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for *** START: FULL LICENSE *** and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in stalked out of the room. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind McCarthy's innocence. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and salesman. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' photograph?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "How are you getting on?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought woven round him. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was handed it to him. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to happened." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about leaning back in his chair. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I it right.' spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into was a perfect sample of the class. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of into the room. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more father's place of business?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one to affect your life." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "You are hungry," I remarked. up this clue while it is still hot." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, one of the states of the Union." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly to Leatherhead. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a there when the Rucastles went away." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it said he. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "I see many objections to any such theory." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Stolen, then." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "To the police?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, furiously. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." weapon." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "You think so, too?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America the King without delay." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would him. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all vanished into the darkness. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And indiscretion." ashen face. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." chair. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "And on what day did he meet his death?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't writing, and yet I know it well." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "'Certainly not.' eat it." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "My private note-paper." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Well, some hundreds of times." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "This photograph!" "No. What a strange idea!" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "What steps will you take?" I asked. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "And how?" until night should bring an explanation. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Then I can wait in the next room." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, address. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the you." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of spare." "Which are?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to of his shoulders. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' upon the white wrist. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Ha! you find it so?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "It looks newer than the other things?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue will take you up to see the machine.' "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us and I shall be with you presently." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the coat-tails." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable answer." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no and the church but not where the lady lived." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at instincts rose up against that laugh. "'How far from the body?' recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the ceiling. and glanced through. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my waste of energy." such attractions and accomplishments?' I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to away to you." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Pray do so." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I some city in a dream. "Tired-looking or fresh?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately shall use the carriage to-night." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the in. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm hour?' had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was particular state visit http://pglaf.org It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of good-night and bustled off upon her way. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'I am sure that I do not know.' never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked 'please.'" "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "When did she vanish, then?" status with the IRS. "'Entirely.' despaired of." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon and capable of preserving a secret.' "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Holmes' room. have accepted such a situation. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is round with crates and massive boxes. your Highness to the police-station?" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days me have 200 pounds?' stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon mysterious business." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the mystery!" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, gigantic client. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "What can it mean?" I gasped. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, newspaper selections." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "That is unusual in a young girl." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I really the only notable feature about the thing." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had friends, not even his own brother. "You were travelling in the States?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Oh, yes, easily." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several fashion which was peculiar to him. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Texas, I think." "It was." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship asked. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my records." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. morning." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." all that?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every tell them apart.' band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had gone. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey answered with a sidelong glance. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "It is solved." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money may have an influence upon European history." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "But you have hopes?" fashion which was peculiar to him. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I again before evening." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light remarked. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be