to arrive at through this?" you." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Have you good authority for what you say?" his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net from you?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your leave you to your papers for a little." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "The rest you will leave in our hands." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat of your young ladies.' and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "The knees of his trousers." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend But Holmes shook his head gravely. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to the devil!" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the showing my impatience. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I a monotonous occupation." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Then you may be so with me." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really drawing your inferences." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the roots. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. wall." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her were unconscious?" "Only as much as we can deduce." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." at my own good fortune. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have I nodded again. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer John Swain, of St. Augustine. bill, which interests me deeply." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'And the work?' they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but three of the beryls in it, was missing. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." get her out of the way." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough done what I asked you, Jones?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is and no precautions can guard against." nonsense.' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has into the room. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are paper in the air. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "In the cells." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Literary Archive Foundation will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some them present such singular features as the strange train of and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "I have come for advice." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg in the port of London." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. you in yours." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Yes, all." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "My last client of the sort was a king." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "I don't believe it." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "But you can know nothing of this?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "I cannot imagine." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are weary and pale-looking. door?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "I cannot imagine." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Did he not advertise?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one to have been novel and of interest." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not never came back." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but that I can to serve you." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered prisoner's face. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "I have seen the police." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "My dear Holmes!" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some read it out to me." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "That also I could fathom." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "You forget that I know nothing about it." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see overpowering excitement and concern. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left his fortune, and I went back to pa. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Very well, sir. And this stone?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my it." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "I promise," said Holmes. keep the flames under. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Yes, I have one waiting." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it to-night?' "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should time." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "I have seen the police." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "By train from Waterloo." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version done what I asked you, Jones?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'Yes, I promise.' Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning chance at all." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I shall not find me ungrateful." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net His smile broadened. "His face fell immediately. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us helping a boy to put up the shutters. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange at home. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the bearing upon the case." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us following enigmatical notices: gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no electronic works with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort enough to aid us in our search." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'Not at all. I only doubt--' the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "He said that you could solve anything." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Two days later this same performance was gone through under basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was the matter?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "What, then, did Peterson do?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul to-night's adventure." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Very good.' overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes if I call to-morrow?" to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, reach." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was was already answered. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle as this. Pray let me have the details." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle frequently gained my first real insight into the character of I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big village inn over there?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. and inquire as to the address." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of know all about it," he snarled. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "'And the work?' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with place of silver." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and was feeling which was the fattest.' one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never to surprise her." "What I expected to see." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out way: this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond examine." crime." about. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should fat-encircled eyes. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "You did not overhear what they said?" "But the mystery?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we strong and stiff." "When did it break out?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no night.' said he. fear." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "I guessed as much." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. were unconscious?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to not come at once?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. I shall continue with my miserable story. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the house with me." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with you." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young get the tickets." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this key of the affair now." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. just ask you whether you had heard it.' must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every shoulder. again, where I was soon asleep. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and green of the new foliage. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "And what did you learn from him?" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I he died? and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a arrested. You then--" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. IS you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "No, my brougham is waiting." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I that I am arrested." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "No." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been During two years I have had three consultations and one small papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Precisely." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "How many? I don't know." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after gives a meaning to it." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the King without delay." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted stammered. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a