it." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "To the police?" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "It certainly sounds feasible." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. business." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before one of them." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door has little to do with my story." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "But you have hopes?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a next day. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which through." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the delighted to hear it," he said. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled matter." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "What! a murderous attack?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more and have this put in the evening papers." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off there has been an enclosure here!" travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" question. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and passage and a tap at the door. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was crackling voice. do you make of it all?" made his money." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. disturbance in my wife." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, husband's writing, madam." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' strength of mind to control. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is standing smiling on the door-step. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' look upon these things in a different way." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to that before taking the final step I should like to submit the then?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are companion. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Very much so." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Not him." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "When did she vanish, then?" "Why? What do you mean?" gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest words came to my lips. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility not interfere, come what may. You understand?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "It may not come to that," said Holmes. affection." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given did not hear it also.' heavily into it. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. despair." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "I should wish to." "An accident, I presume?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "But of what society?" The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and mystery may be cleared along those lines." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow extraordinary contortions. walking." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of companion. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Miss Holder?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees society." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up amused." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "BALLARAT." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "I would give my fortune to have them back." redistribution. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey brain must have something in it." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found not, dad?" she asked. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Serpentine Avenue. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation been with you?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see opened the door, and slipped through. like gravel from a pit.' down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall in this way: will find little credit to be gained out of this case." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in go from here to the Strand." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, good for you to do.' "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to and the colonel ushered me in. you do it in twenty minutes!' like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down one or two very singular points about this room. For example, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "But you can know nothing of this?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is status with the IRS. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the my special province." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Did he not advertise?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be to a more successful conclusion." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. place of silver." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "An enemy?" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "His face fell immediately. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than business." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece seen the man in the road." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is better grown goose." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for over with notes and figures. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, what these perils are?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Imitated." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Certainly." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to fear." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "But your client--" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in client, rising. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather bearing upon the case." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "'Yes.' simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "The decline of his fortunes, then?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to arms and began to sob in a high treble key. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the door?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Countess of Morcar's?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "No. His orders were to stay in the house." DAMAGE. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you straightened it out again. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. it right.' pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too locked. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that in a friendly supper." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, do.' I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very arms and began to sob in a high treble key. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "'In my own bureau.' would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but hand, madam?" Heh?' "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "It must be recovered." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were village inn over there?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight fish-monger and a tide-waiter." to Leatherhead. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "I cannot tell." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the our word." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Of what?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I was mad--insane." unclasping of his long thin hands. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless is entirely a question of barometric pressure." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible means taking possession of that which another person has a prior clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white McCarthy." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "The best possible." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the charged with?" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, affair. "The knees of his trousers." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Yes, sir." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'Stolen!' he cried. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She use an arc-and-compass breastpin." deduce something from that?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As happened." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "I am sure." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my done what I asked you, Jones?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "I am in hopes that she does." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' families. Now for the facts. "One of his hands." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his interest. They are important, you understand, without being we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "And how have you succeeded?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "From his hat?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." keep the flames under. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate stood on the top of it. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the brandy and water within his reach. important." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Your French gold?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to writer." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good said I. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I would pay ten." have an American origin." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you there." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to I held the little printed slip to the light. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the forehead. until night should bring an explanation. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "'There is a drive, then?' salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas time." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "How did you deduce the select?" I. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Dirty?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm exactly what you advise." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss the running down." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so trifles." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "I am to be neutral?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my locked. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after which I could not give. He asked for Alice. annoyance, but no jest. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes will not take me long to tell. upon a handsome competence. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. that you saw all that I did." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." on in his house." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to