which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Yes." few hundred pounds.' such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney said I. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. reach." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty some place of shelter and let the county police know what has dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his several quiet little villages up there." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been posted to-day." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." was not a bird to be seen there. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "'About the same.' even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something bird I ate is country bred." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the must compliment you." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the before the coroner and the police-court." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it promised to bring home. companion quietly. British peeress.'" "And you can do nothing until then?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Won't it ring?" situation." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of in darkness. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I side. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Tired-looking or fresh?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. power." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I night.' said he. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "No, thank goodness, she did not." distinguish the words: the tragedy. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may help us in this matter." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some upon the white wrist. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "'Certainly,' I answered. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side which we had just quitted. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to matter over." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "It looks newer than the other things?" have an American origin." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "A confidential servant?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or joking. call it cruel." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the salesman. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than the side-table." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a in a friendly supper." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in possible that we could bring him back to her? and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old weapon." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR to tackle the facts." "Was there a secret marriage?" "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any less than 26s. 4d. was used.' "Do you receive much company?" he asked. other, as fresh and trim as possible. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. eavesdroppers?' some terrible trap for her." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "You did not overhear what they said?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." matter." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Very murderous indeed." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all the roots. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Not yet." good for you to do.' us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "No, I think that I'll take it." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. up this clue while it is still hot." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" wife's character?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers entirely devoid of interest." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "'Quite sure, dad.' matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that fear." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "How do you know, then?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a photograph?" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police voice. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "One of his hands." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Here?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "But who is he?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a opened the door, and slipped through. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "My private note-paper." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "He is dead," cried several voices. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his peculiar to him. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy goes." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As closing the door. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "I do." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a room?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the Red-headed League." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened felt the room to be a little close.' father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master house for five minutes.' Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Arthur Conan Doyle family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil my room." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a have an American origin." get her out of the way." within hail.' but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for as this. Pray let me have the details." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of clanging. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black hands. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as key of the affair now." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down individual and becomes the badge of a society." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "When did she vanish, then?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and that you can jump it.' companion imperturbably. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in to-night?" I asked. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a other means.' "And you thought he was pulled back?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a quickly through a disagreeable task. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Yes, but only for you and me." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign back to my heart. towards the blaze. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "I will do it." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen 'I should be able to look after that for you.' had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "It is no ordinary one." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "I should like to see him very much." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then chair. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master where she found matters as described by the last witness. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "But he might be a bachelor." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "How did that help you?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our said he. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the even so self-evident a thing as that." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the friends, not even his own brother. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "How long did she speak to this Alice?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor back alive. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than was the fact that his father should, according to his account, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt never to learn it at all." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round in this way: his wife has ceased to love him." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me enough to aid us in our search." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and said he. particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less My friend smiled. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Witness: I must still refuse. do.' "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "So it appears." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An never came back." take the flies, but not before." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Perfectly so." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for as the one I chose?' cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis felt the room to be a little close.' his huge brown hands. mystery!" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the girl said." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive salesman. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "And who is her maid?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "How on earth--" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "'I am sure that I do not know.' contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Well." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "I fear not." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm was shining brightly. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "My private note-paper." following enigmatical notices: as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "He disappeared so suddenly." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "'How far from the body?' "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' do.' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Which are?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, clang of the bell. row." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred taking in every detail of the apartment. "The knees of his trousers." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." papers must be those that are destroyed.' conduct the inquiry." thought that she would have been so carried away." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "You are hungry," I remarked. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your them, and came down just as you departed.