"The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking them?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "How about poison?" brain must have something in it." bird of prey. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her not come at once?" do you make of it all?" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if your sleep?' "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Yes?" "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Yes, sir." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good suddenly upon us." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with to tackle the facts." "Well, but China?" stepfather?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "It certainly sounds feasible." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know the south-west, I see." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than get the tickets." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "There is the writing." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. interest. They are important, you understand, without being o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he was not a bird to be seen there. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Foundation case before our client came into the room." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir DISSOLVED. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Dirty?" will he say when he returns?" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a some city in a dream. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to his face. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said your Highness to the police-station?" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and might have a private word with us. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "In answer to an advertisement." "Yes, I have one waiting." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque other lovers by making love himself." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "He is dead," cried several voices. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "It certainly sounds feasible." "What is it, then--a fire?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the was lame." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage nights." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking nothing with him." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for not interfere, come what may. You understand?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was over here." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a when you have done it." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and me. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. man. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I cannot tell." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is one of the states of the Union." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "No legal papers or certificates?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of success. opportunities to fix the problem. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. me upon any point which I do not make clear." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Did you become engaged then?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple opportunities to fix the problem. "No, distinctly professional." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He the armchair which I pushed forward for him. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "I will do it." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of always that they were such commands as a lady might with again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." get her out of the way." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the words came to my lips. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows new duties?' the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "No, I am descending." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent Literary Archive Foundation "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the new duties?' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "It's nothing of the kind." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. presented more singular features than that which was associated American. Then who could this American be, and why should he could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and and looked back. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the loss of it. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with about here speaks of his kindness to him." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very photograph a cabinet?" his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I is so. I know all about McCarthy." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss legal crime." them?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "10th. John Swain cleared. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them disappearance of these gems?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "It is very clear." bill, which interests me deeply." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman views." writer." forbidden door. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "No legal papers or certificates?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Leave Paddington by the 11:15." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this lumber-room." night.' said he. the coronet at all injured?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, gives a meaning to it." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save rat could hardly pass through." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the I think that I could be of assistance to you." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. again." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Pool. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps front of me. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my strong and stiff." Mrs. Toller serenely. "We have tried and failed." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Texas, I think." "Precisely." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Thank you. And your address?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is chair. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two not within a twentieth part of the market price." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United just ask you whether you had heard it.' vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "What are they?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in everything which you would wish to know." "Did he not advertise?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for him to be an active member of the medical profession." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would gone before you can get him to hospital." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring quick march!" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize shoulder; "he's all right." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" there when the Rucastles went away." "Yes, certainly." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. hair?' the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Seven!" I answered. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Yes?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The stalked out of the room. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my are, I think, all that we need." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you keep the flames under. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Then you may entirely rely on me." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you completely overtopped every other consideration that we both upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "I see many objections to any such theory." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Where, then, is my wife?" of Mr. Rucastle's." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "How did you trace it, then?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the that?' way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Precisely so. But how--" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "But the mystery?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' be there in time for your coming." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and in the hope of finding them." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Your presence might be invaluable." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I lamp. "None." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "It is possible." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. chair. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining fattened it expressly for you.' "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the could go. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, page at http://pglaf.org insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "None." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Murdered?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "And what did you see?" Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It may never be exposed to such a temptation." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a power." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every putting in the horse. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "By no means." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Pope's Court, Fleet Street." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "'And the work?' smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "In what way?" asked Holmes. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall very old mansion. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some of this gang." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "One of his hands." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Which are?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." heavy and sharp instrument." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the voice, changing her seat as requested. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their whether it answered to the description of any of their some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Yes." "Why did you pick him?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "I should like to see him very much." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the date of his supposed suicide." less than 26s. 4d. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his there!' so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Bought." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the