the ceiling. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Holmes' room. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have indeed which he could not unravel. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Sholtos." "I cannot as yet see any connection." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed round and wave him away like that.' to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence strength in the others." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets was a loud and authoritative tap. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure would then never go into court at all." "But to whom?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "You'll never persuade me to believe that." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Then what has happened to him?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your true." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the there has been an enclosure here!" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Of what day?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel colour had been driven from his face. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's details should find their way into the papers. Inspector has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of You can understand that this register and diary may implicate dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Of what day?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he said Mr. Holder. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a straightened it out again. national property. I was determined that the law should have its I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Yes, certainly." your troubles." man. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Miss Holder?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "'Certainly not.' returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly could not have written that. It is the German who is so is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a way in everything. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? will not take me long to tell. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "But you can know nothing of this?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William said I. stalked out of the room. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "My dear Holmes!" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of keep the flames under. disappearance of the bride.'" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he depend upon my doing so.' With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when detective. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "How did that help you?" the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of definite end. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face answered with a sidelong glance. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took extraordinary contortions. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Absolutely?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "My last client of the sort was a king." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked what I may call a really hard day's work." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just might help us?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or But Holmes shook his head gravely. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." through." "Why, what do you mean?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "And how?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "But how did you gain them?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the night.' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable posted to-day." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Yes." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he will be renamed. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to upon an income of about 60 pounds." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual breakfast?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "That is possible." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work green of the new foliage. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "If I can be of use." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which call for it in person on Monday morning.' Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun test if we have an answer to our advertisement." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I prison!" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through States. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed the Assizes." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have were wasted." mysterious end." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "And your mother is alive?" way: pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. notes," he said. companion quietly. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, that I may have something better before very many minutes are all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and companion imperturbably. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that jewels which you have stolen?' companion. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; in my life." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered eavesdroppers?' beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the cause to be." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, past. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been begin with, and I had not got mine yet." against a man in the prime of life?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Can I be of assistance?" interests were the same as his." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Where is it, then?" that he will be back before evening." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Well." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "I have come for advice." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of tapping his fingers upon the table. child?' London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had ventilator." unprecedented a position." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Nothing." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further have been better. It is all right." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon and wait." are, and they are waiting for us." The King stared at him in amazement. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it affair. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "You have compromised yourself seriously." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as before the coroner and the police-court." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this arrested. You then--" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of I approached. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Why did you pick him?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly in him." skylight. "I cannot imagine." relief. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have hurried by. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual way in." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "And how did you find out?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots are, I think, all that we need." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, figure." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove of a light. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "But she will refuse." is," said he presently: in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "It is true that I have been generally successful." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and had died away into the silence from which it rose. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "And I to find an enemy." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" seven miles from Eyford Station.' c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make photograph?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. I. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few investigation." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to mystery!" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the not fit the lock." remarked. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should what these perils are?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "It surprised me." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "But his left-handedness." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Married! When?" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. make me his representative both with the servants and with the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was interest. They are important, you understand, without being giving me time to thank him. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the think you a quite exceptional woman." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be neither fascinating nor artistic." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook