chance at all." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped this unhappy family?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. for its centre. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "It was a confession," I ejaculated. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "He is still with you, I presume?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his of campaign. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "You have but to name it." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there future lives." charge against him will break down." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." would apply.' find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "And you can do nothing until then?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "I am sure." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' here and I will read it to you: result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "But she could not love him." "But how?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Yes." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored once more. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "You will not go there first?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition conclusions. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the pound a week." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes held up the lantern and gazed about him. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my were new raised from a basin. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "No, but the enclosure is." "And the murderer?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Certainly." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "'Is purely nominal.' "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "You think so, too?" at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "But how did you gain them?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to him nearly every evening." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a that he has suffered." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "'Why that?' I asks. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would of his shoulders. "'And what salary do you ask?' "But we can't all be." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. could gather together that I was able to avert another public me upon any point which I do not make clear." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings would then never go into court at all." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of in him." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as whole matter to your consideration." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with see a sister of mine apply for." ashen face. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside public press." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "How about poison?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through always that they were such commands as a lady might with His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "A confidential servant?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. have established a very serious case against the son of the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very mystery may be cleared along those lines." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I populous neighbourhood." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom him nearly every evening." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known telegram would bring me down to your help." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed handed it to him. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing returned to France?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not to tell." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every not use it unless it is absolutely needed." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, must be when I saw the door open.' "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." McCarthy's innocence. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." has little to do with my story." written, and locked the door of the office after me. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he DAMAGE. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "No." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but swore that no one else had been in the front room during the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project done what I asked you, Jones?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. could gather together that I was able to avert another public in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From nonsense.' "But his lameness?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and respectable self." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Well." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, this poor creature." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "You saw the ventilator, too?" nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a questionable one." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Precisely so. But how--" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A his forehead." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of present." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley strong and stiff." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "What steps will you take?" I asked. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that crime." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action this Miss Turner." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man your own bird, so if you wish--" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after disturbance in my wife." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Street. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Quite so. She has her freedom." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally night.' said he. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. together. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin me where it went to?" occurred." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "I have solved it." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried McCarthy's innocence. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the coroner come to?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and was not a bird to be seen there. our word." definite end. works. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Here?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided British peeress.'" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Then I shall certainly come." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. him, that man would not have given me such complete information time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Married! When?" them present such singular features as the strange train of "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the and that he would see to anything that turned up. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "No, distinctly professional." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent works. See paragraph 1.E below. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, fled together." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." this unhappy family?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "And leave your case unfinished?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "At the wedding breakfast." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered and effective." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing II. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! I held the little printed slip to the light. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It upon a handsome competence. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in tied." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "You heard nothing yourself last night?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make very old mansion. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "One horse?" interjected Holmes. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "'Not at all. I only doubt--' drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and himself in a perplexing position. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of jewels which you have stolen?' the one as in the other." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered never to learn it at all." Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a him to be an active member of the medical profession." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "It's nothing of the kind." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to my former friend and companion. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when