"He slept on the premises." me. You must get home instantly and act." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from plantation.' "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the King without delay." "Always." "But how did you gain them?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for them?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my the morning and make my own way in the world.' in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Chief Executive and Director "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "To the police?" "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the union?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "He slept on the premises." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a over part of the map. "What do you read?" Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were depend upon my doing so.' papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich beg that you will break it off." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, was a lad." "How did he come?" that I am arrested." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "It was an hour's good drive." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." good for you to do.' manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint during the last few years, and there are many noble families to above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by if I call to-morrow?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "He is dead," cried several voices. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Holmes rather sternly. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "We have tried and failed." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare strange features which were associated with the two crimes which are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Not him." DAMAGE. "What! Had he lost his wife?" "How did he come?" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel some mystery and the punishment of some crime." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the I leave." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full compunction about shooting them down." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here you understand?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I came to find a friend." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just never will be, entirely cleared up. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "And Irene Adler?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'Yes, it was gone.' I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, digesting their breakfasts at home." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home you for a few hours?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I look upon these things in a different way." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly his cane at the bell-pull. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the directors, with the result that you have seen." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being into the room. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you child?' copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "'What do you call purely nominal?' "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Not I." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "You horrify me!" Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other be there in time for your coming." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Perhaps I have." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face weary and pale-looking. strode off upon his way. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about window when the police appeared." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. both be extremely obliged.' into the bag, and made for the door. "Never." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "We have tried and failed." "Ah!" extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Arthur Conan Doyle "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" you." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' The summons was a brief and urgent one. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he money should be paid at once.' "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "No, my brougham is waiting." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the McCarthy's innocence. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, whole matter to your consideration." most interesting one." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had to-morrow." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to do.' responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for tied." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Thank you. Pray proceed." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Oh, fresh and glossy." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate really the only notable feature about the thing." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon This is what he says: Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into carried out of court." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very and I shall be with you presently." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. deduce something from that?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate your equipment. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at when your master had gone out." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Ample." Countess of Morcar's?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Literary Archive Foundation tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for I nodded to show that I had heard. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "And how did you verify them?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a away in different directions, and I went off to make my own I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If along the entire front of the house, with three long windows some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "I was mad--insane." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut my friend's incisive reasoning. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "And now?" He raised his hand. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking mysterious end." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "I beg pardon." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "What can you not understand?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "You are hungry," I remarked. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo was not a bird to be seen there. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "'Never.' public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are upon the sideboard." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and with frightened eyes at his accuser. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a crime." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was meanly of me." "No, but the enclosure is." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of me upon any point which I do not make clear." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite of your young ladies.' the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and of Fenchurch Street." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. in this way: once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that know that the truth is known." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's advice." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened of your young ladies.' English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "'Why that?' I asks. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door awaited us upon the table. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Quite so. She has her freedom." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "And help." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that helping a boy to put up the shutters. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" written. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'Never,' said I. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Then how many are there?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Which surely he restored to their owner?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. call it cruel." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will residence of the great financier. the coronet in his hand?" already been minutely examined." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a think that any burglar could have done. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble these bleak autumnal evenings." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Eyford." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under help us in this matter." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the round and wave him away like that.' the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to stalked out of the room. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room