relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "But I am all in the dark." cheerful." "It surprised me." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Then what has happened to him?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for as he remarks, very much against the son." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an or in danger--" "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Holmes' thin, eager face. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, tapping his fingers upon the table. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "That is easily got." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's know that the truth is known." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the of it with the greatest attention. it with his own hands." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. is," said he presently: companion. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how that you wished to speak to me?' think, you have already met." "Upon what point?" manager. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, take the flies, but not before." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Never to return." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "But you can know nothing of this?" Count Von Kramm." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea future lives." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with was used.' his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by my room." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. to have been novel and of interest." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of ran thus: It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such points in connection with it which never have been, and probably of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in have been better. It is all right." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was in the hope of finding them." my room." "Not I." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful the room while you explain this matter?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and all-comprehensive glances. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but entirely lost his self-respect." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Mrs. Toller serenely. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the make me his representative both with the servants and with the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but swore that no one else had been in the front room during the ventilator." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "And who is her maid?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best of them has the shutters up.' "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks think that any burglar could have done. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "At what time?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "But his left-handedness." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Yes, from Horsham." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "I am all attention, madam." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Could he throw no light?" you?' stepfather?" felt?" has little to do with my story." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these face and glided from the room. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Seven!" I answered. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "No, but the enclosure is." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. of the way of danger. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, correct than the official force." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "And your father? Did you tell him?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that get her out of the way." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief I nodded to show that I had heard. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Murdered?" bell. Holmes whistled. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. hardly wander." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen infinite languor in his face. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. without a word or a look. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman and laid it on the table. been able to understand it, in a very few words. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the room while you explain this matter?" statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain open." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Of what day?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my my secret was safe in his possession. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "No, finished." "None." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so status with the IRS. formed some opinion?" not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, His smile broadened. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "And when will you call?" but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "We have tried and failed." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Lee, in the county of Kent." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Did he not advertise?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in make me his representative both with the servants and with the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Oh, yes, easily." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Where did you address your letters, then?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "But of what society?" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "What is it?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the gone before you can get him to hospital." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am train.' other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook row." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Certainly." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "And your mother is alive?" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman simple cases which are so extremely difficult." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be know what is wrong with it.' against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "You think so, too?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, lost nothing by them." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a that threaten you." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. breakfast." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "One of the highest in England." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three weapon." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "I am in hopes that she does." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other which was all perfectly true. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the make me his representative both with the servants and with the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "And the murderer?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" minor matters until to-morrow." in one or two places in England?' fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my as he folded up the epistle. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly wanted for ourselves." enter into my head. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! article?" despaired of." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "And Irene Adler?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Precisely so. But how--" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is man. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "I think that it is very probable." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long instituted." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I and have this put in the evening papers." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to key of the affair now." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." mystery." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every to where he stood hid behind the curtain. lips." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "And why?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should directly by questioning you." you." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I signal between you and your father? "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking allusion to a rat. himself in a perplexing position. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; British peeress.'" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "My opinion is in no way altered." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, writers could invent nothing more crude." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, memory. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "'There is a drive, then?' "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "But his left-handedness." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for to take care of herself." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her John Swain, of St. Augustine. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" keep the flames under. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you occurred." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Pray do so." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "I never have." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of shall not find me ungrateful." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our shadow pass over his face as I spoke. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have what these perils are?" village inn over there?" money should be paid at once.' and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily