o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Nothing." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of him and tried to hold him back. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** bore every mark of being an average commonplace British by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly just called myself is not exactly my own." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "'What, the red-headed man?' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" province." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak where we are going." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "'As governess?' creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "She told me to ask you." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "We were both in the photograph." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a other, as fresh and trim as possible. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "'Tell me all about it,' said I. happened." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "You think that he is dead?" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" was once confined in the cab my mission was practically would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." lost nothing by them." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' man. I know him from the photograph." never came back." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." bell. Holmes whistled. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "It looks newer than the other things?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, followed. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "But how?" "I am armed." looking up at the numbers of the houses." morning." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his felt the room to be a little close.' are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you how narrow had been my escape. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to the one as in the other." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. at my own good fortune. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET desk. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from ago." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see gone before you can get him to hospital." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Witness: Nothing definite. colour had been driven from his face. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in danger is over." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "My opinion is in no way altered." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have his cane at the bell-pull. the warnings." stood on the top of it. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless had this final quarrel? having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Certainly." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Precisely." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" was already answered. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked face and glided from the room. upon a handsome competence. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat to take care of herself." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "By all means." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be to me. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "And it is--" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with own family. "No, I think that I'll take it." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the night.' would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored thirty. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and enough to aid us in our search." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Yesterday." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. late." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Foundation practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same over with notes and figures. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." congratulate you again." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We at home. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it to take care of herself." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "In heaven's name, what for?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 wedding?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me your billet.' Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in upon the white wrist. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City details." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had daring than any effort of the imagination." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Never to return." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the works. See paragraph 1.E below. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "What do you mean?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could power." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "To an end?" hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my drawing your inferences." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the key of the affair now." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "He is dead," cried several voices. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "'And the work?' deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Yes." congratulate you again." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "You have compromised yourself seriously." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what together. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "No." and effective." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced mysterious business." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the vault. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned good for you to do.' stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Bought." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Yes." breakfast." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away signal between you and your father? follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should lost his Christmas dinner." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was sentimental considerations in the background which would induce little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She You can understand that this register and diary may implicate it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Well?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." closely." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "In what way?" asked Holmes. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend him!" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but true." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate pity, because in other respects you would really have done very whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look morning." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, woven round him. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked and no precautions can guard against." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Where did he live, then?" occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Upon what point?" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door that?' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable really the only notable feature about the thing." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that behind me. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of you." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I me upon any point which I do not make clear." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post and wait." Sutherland. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and this remarkable episode. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with his wife has ceased to love him." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "And from a noble client?" relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "And on what day did he meet his death?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "You have a clue?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the page at http://pglaf.org very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, business matters.' the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "And it is--" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very his eyes and forehead. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm annoyance, but no jest. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me The summons was a brief and urgent one. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Pool. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as presume?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other