said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is and laid it on the table. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give front of me. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there rat could hardly pass through." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, to affect your life." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I am all attention, madam." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce three fields round his house, and there he would take his which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Really! You surprise me." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Well." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "You horrify me." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "You are all wrong." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "This photograph!" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. have had none more fantastic than this." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "But what will you do?" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Come in!" said he. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Nothing?" coroner's jury." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were for and were ordered to this address. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do the south-west, I see." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was DAMAGE. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He to have been novel and of interest." "You saw the ventilator, too?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "On the contrary, this is the right side." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was been." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "What will you say?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round recover the gem." "No." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "'What do you call purely nominal?' tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions one else, I think." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he I am not easy in my mind about them." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your must be when I saw the door open.' wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert them, and came down just as you departed. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "And your father? Did you tell him?" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. instituted." investigation." nothing of it?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at cigar and let me expound." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of which we had just quitted. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "When did she vanish, then?" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Ah!" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "It goes to the housekeeper's room." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she point in the dark hollow of his hand. The events in question occurred in the early days of my compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily which we had just quitted. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "The doctor?" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "He is still with you, I presume?" possible that we could bring him back to her? "What! You do not mean bodies?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. will he say when he returns?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Certainly." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" habit of advancing money.' the side-table." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little once more to my work. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Yes, it would be as well." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "The doctor?" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Ten will be early enough." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "No." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Yes, it would be as well." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' and put his glass in his pocket. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "How did he come?" whereabouts. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." I am not easy in my mind about them." his knees, staring into the fire. hopeless attempt at recovering them." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. nonsense.' previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Absolutely?" used to be." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most might help us?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "The King of Scandinavia." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black once more on the important position which you have been fortunate should be so warm over such a trifle." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Yes." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Dr. Becher's." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. delirious. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. crime. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "What have you to say now?" endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "But your client--" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Can I be of assistance?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of question," said Holmes, smiling. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "'Tell me all about it,' said I. were unconscious?" which was all perfectly true. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works forehead. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" in the dead of the night?' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer to have that photograph." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Never." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the of a light. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "But who is he?" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "You did not overhear what they said?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of than to us. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Heh?' who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "'I have heard so.' completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "You have compromised yourself seriously." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' felt the room to be a little close.' square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go way: weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others charge against him will break down." "I guessed as much." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten points in connection with it which never have been, and probably week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are residence of the great financier. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "No." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to is worth.' latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I am all attention, madam." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry maid will bring up your coffee." woven round him. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "No more words. Get out!" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy sparkled upon his finger. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, the dangers which encompass me." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said comes from the middle window." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "But she will refuse." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington his cane at the bell-pull. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure his face. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You looking up at the numbers of the houses." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a criminal. We have already had experience of such." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, that or in danger--" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were morning." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them triumphant cloud from his cigarette. anything to do with the matter?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a golden eyeglasses. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both shaken than I had ever seen him. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no highly," said Holmes. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an of Fenchurch Street." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He was lame." "I was afraid that you were engaged." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange maiden herself was most instructive." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I was afraid that you were engaged." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss bill, which interests me deeply." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "And now?" I asked. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so business came to an end." digesting their breakfasts at home." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask a room. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced in the hope of finding them." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud is a common subject for conversation. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to voice, changing her seat as requested. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me shoulder; "he's all right." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End of Mr. Rucastle's." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb one of them." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed