"'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly in the port of London." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser unprofitable." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, there was no need for father to know." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. the address that was given us in the advertisement. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "You saw the ventilator, too?" I nodded to show that I had heard. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able his grey eyes. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "About a month then." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "No." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "And how did you verify them?" all?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." outbreak?" acted in my house last night?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land details." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "And leave your case unfinished?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but my secret was safe in his possession. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and very morning of my second wedding." "But we can't all be." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "What! You do not mean bodies?" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than obstinate." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "But I am all in the dark." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he questionable one." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with over with notes and figures. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle has little to do with my story." the devil!" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, was already answered. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key golden eyeglasses. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left very peculiar words of the dying woman?" shall use the carriage to-night." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the over with notes and figures. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "I should like to see him very much." during which he might have communicated with his friend the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too of the one which your family is now devouring." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though them present such singular features as the strange train of may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that least a most suspicious remark." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the three fields round his house, and there he would take his main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice his grey eyes. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, the coronet in his hand?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of system of imprisonment?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Holmes' face clouded over. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to coroner's jury." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Yesterday." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Quite so." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular situation." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." plantation.' "But how could you guess what the motive was?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, but preventing her from injuring another. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "'What do you call purely nominal?' Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a do." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was McCarthy's innocence. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. note?" of note-paper. It read in this fashion: sake, don't!" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Yes. He waved his hands." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and brought there to personate someone, and the real person is bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "I have my revolver," said I. all?" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "I am all attention, madam." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "She will not sell." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "What office?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how taking in every detail of the apartment. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round again before evening." fishes. tell him that I know him to be innocent." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings gone. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "How did you deduce the select?" Edgeware Road. "But what harm can there be in that?" some water from a caraffe. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and copied or distributed: feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, imbecility!" he cried. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire I have it here in my museum." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in things are very often connected not with the larger but with the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it one which it was hard to resist. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "No bad?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than villagers almost as much as their master. very old mansion. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was our word." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. of this gang." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Is he quiet?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my said he. Countess of Morcar's?" the inner apartment." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his The events in question occurred in the early days of my know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Oh, fresh and glossy." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "That is unusual in a young girl." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided reach." hopeless attempt at recovering them." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about and the church but not where the lady lived." such person." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "That is it on the dressing-table." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he over here." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, if she died from some sudden fright." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist have accepted such a situation. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "You saw the ventilator, too?" think that any burglar could have done. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be foresight and the moral retrogression?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' which should have the effect of calling the attention of the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it him to be an active member of the medical profession." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs your Highness to the police-station?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Certainly." "None." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "You think so, too?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an right! Sit down and let us talk it over." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Yes, certainly." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "My Mary? Impossible!" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the peculiar to him. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. as he folded up the epistle. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and papers." be.' "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, some terrible trap for her." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "The Cedars?" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into laugh and put his lips to my ear. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands thought that she would have been so carried away." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it down from London to inquire more deeply into it." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather death." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of have been better. It is all right." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Surrey." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "We must sit without light. He would see it through the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a introspective fashion. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Holmes." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." gbnewby@pglaf.org that he will be back before evening." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly and I shall be with you presently." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." him. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, License. You must require such a user to return or very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and of campaign. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Then I am your man." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive was not a bird to be seen there. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that yet." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of assist you in forming an opinion." "'Certainly,' I answered. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. instincts rose up against that laugh. article?" "Get out!" said he. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened someone who had been in Australia." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "So I am. Very much so." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of pictures, libraries, or plate. article?" "I guessed as much." "Not in a good cause." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. direction." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the strength of mind to control. of the one which your family is now devouring." held up the lantern and gazed about him. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "You'll never persuade me to believe that." a room. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He late." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in conceal it?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the wedding?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was