squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and gone before you can get him to hospital." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All room?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove than to us. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the loss of it. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her him to go away.' which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off had a long day." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come a good hundred miles off by now." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "On the contrary, this is the right side." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "The doctor?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "He said that you could solve anything." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "How can you tell that?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is London for the present?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "I would pay ten." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque back to my heart. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. had died away into the silence from which it rose. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue affection." legal crime." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it learned something! Where are the gems?" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking bachelor.' work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Dark enough and sinister enough." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a galvanised. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. I was concerned in it." problems help me to do so." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Heh?' while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a his forehead." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "What can it mean?" I gasped. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "A greater distance to travel." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Have you good authority for what you say?" "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner lamp. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a best detective that ever lived. instincts rose up against that laugh. said he at last. "My dear Holmes!" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Were they all fastened this morning?" pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "The knees of his trousers." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have window when the police appeared." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. What do you deduce from it?" "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Dr. Becher's." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to results." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are http://gutenberg.net/license). wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of companion imperturbably. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, entirely lost his self-respect." tail." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was happened." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to she slowly sank and died without having recovered her some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "What!" he roared. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Two days later this same performance was gone through under away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. I shall communicate with you." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." 11:15.' evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the Friday. Was it to be in church?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "9th. McCauley cleared. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud which our visitor detailed to us. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "In San Francisco, a year ago." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight main points of my analysis." had this final quarrel? in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Was there a secret marriage?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the me have 200 pounds?' gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too sound at heart." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own information in his hands the value of which he did not himself the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Nothing?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which residence of the great financier. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Stolen, then." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "But I am all in the dark." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without shaken than I had ever seen him. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "She told me to ask you." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' know what is wrong with it.' in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital question. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "In answer to an advertisement." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, villagers almost as much as their master. anything to do with the matter?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "And why?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was will take you up to see the machine.' while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who other lovers by making love himself." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Yes?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features and the colonel ushered me in. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the date of his supposed suicide." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so hurried away. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We certainly do as you advise." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "ARAT," I read. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "At half-wages, in fact." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Was your sister dressed?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Well." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country of Mr. Rucastle's." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, cigar and let me expound." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The to-morrow." "And I." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in remarked. colonel looking down at me. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. it right.' endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." me. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Perhaps I have." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his enter Dr. Roylott's room." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship confronted him. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch companion. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "'I shall certainly be there.' Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "You saw the ventilator, too?" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." approach us with offers to donate. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and flock.' see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "What do you mean?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, secret." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "I see many objections to any such theory." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning see a sister of mine apply for." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "You are hungry," I remarked. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Then I am your man." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Come in!" said he. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "So I am. Very much so." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Stolen, then." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "I think it very unlikely." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Yes, certainly." of a light. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey ago." "Not social, then?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may roused himself from his reverie. I leave." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "By all means." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he photograph?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was to go into your room and bar your shutters?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "And your father? Did you tell him?" fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing investigation." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped there was no need for father to know." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We call for protection in the marriage market, for the present ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to to tell." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended mysterious end." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "He is still with you, I presume?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared was a perfect sample of the class. "The murder was done with it." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "And on what day did he meet his death?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "I am following you closely," I answered. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "And I say east," said my patient. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just very peculiar words of the dying woman?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without