at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry up this clue while it is still hot." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Thank you. And your address?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "And who is her maid?" "But not more so than I to find you." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole chair. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here said I. as yours." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced him, that man would not have given me such complete information still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he not, dad?" she asked. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." someone who had been in Australia." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was simple cases which are so extremely difficult." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "But what will you do?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and your troubles." "And Irene Adler?" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The whether it answered to the description of any of their could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Ten will be early enough." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Certainly." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the dangers which encompass me." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have in a very precise fashion." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an few hundred pounds.' "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they mystery may be cleared along those lines." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I papers diligently of late, have you not?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "And from a noble client?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Perfectly so." kind enough to tell me what I should do." you." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "To the police?" and I shall be with you presently." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "A thing like a cleaver," said he. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "How often?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Never to return." fait accompli?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Yes." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little window when the police appeared." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Then what has happened to him?" British peeress.'" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless there is a decided draught." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it hurried by. and the colonel ushered me in. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, electronic works not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. is," said he presently: against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "I answered that I had not. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "I am sure." companion. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back his eyes and forehead. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, wall." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" that there was nothing in it, after all." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the address that was given us in the advertisement. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at carpenter." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to What do you deduce from it?" mystery!" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "And from a noble client?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I warn you that they are very incomplete." drawing your inferences." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the enter into my head. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "But she could not love him." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found even of instruction." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Yes, all." here and I will read it to you: last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of of the vacancies.' she slowly sank and died without having recovered her o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a as the one I chose?' B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own crime." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the writer." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing to change my dress. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the you want, then?' "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "I guessed as much." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, the warnings." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Yes." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 narrative." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Farm upon the left." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There not use it unless it is absolutely needed." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, my little problems." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet of your young ladies.' Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "A client, then?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My door?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still as he remarks, very much against the son." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "My photograph." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door row." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "'Ten to two.' adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which next day. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "You saw the ventilator, too?" "No." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "That's no good." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I guilty one." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves of a light. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my them present such singular features as the strange train of seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "And how?" situation." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the bed, and you in that chair." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "And you can do nothing until then?" unclasping of his long thin hands. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "It is to him that this trophy belongs." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you persecution?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, laugh and put his lips to my ear. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited annoyance, but no jest. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished suggested at once that there must be a communication between the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "What?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. beyond words. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes more solid." roused himself from his reverie. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California individual and becomes the badge of a society." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few think, you have already met." hair?' remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told ventilator." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being American. Then who could this American be, and why should he foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so constraint." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo comes from the middle window." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I secret." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce just ask you whether you had heard it.' "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." learned something! Where are the gems?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good despaired of." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and good-night and bustled off upon her way. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather answered with a sidelong glance. "Was she in good spirits?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you deduce something from that?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was forbidden door. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "'Yes, it was gone.' halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. easy-going way." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Clair, of Lee." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire absorbing." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." opportunities to fix the problem. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "You did not overhear what they said?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped my special province." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer and it need not interfere very much with one's other seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My page at http://pglaf.org long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my lost nothing by them." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "You have compromised yourself seriously." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that conversation I have gathered that they have been married about face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to case before our client came into the room." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said round with crates and massive boxes. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his it with his own hands." "'Never,' said I. "Yes." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Deserted you?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, both be extremely obliged.' "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a dear old homesteads?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Perhaps we may make them less so." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "To an end?"