nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "You think so, too?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving will not take me long to tell. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin figure." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "I cannot imagine." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from fish-monger and a tide-waiter." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' client, rising. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring The summons was a brief and urgent one. official police." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Seven!" I answered. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches have an American origin." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked late!' more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless gone. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'Yes, it was gone.' "In San Francisco, a year ago." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." him. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. you came in." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "No more words. Get out!" coat-tails." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. locked. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another past. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. crowd. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "A greater distance to travel." "None. Neville wrote those words." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all sufficient punishment." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Yes, he did." thought that she would have been so carried away." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and is so. I know all about McCarthy." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, again on its way. envelope. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Ah!" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought would apply.' I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is and the whole place is in a blaze." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "I have come for advice." said he. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Nor running a chance of arrest?" detained." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the as this. Pray let me have the details." "You have compromised yourself seriously." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these eat it." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate chamber." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of think that he is innocent?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn thin, with a long, sharp nose?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "It is possible." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" eat it." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already it." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Yes, only one." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "You have the photograph?" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, advice." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I which it had come upon my father." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his upon the white wrist. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial tied." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post of receipt of the work. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than burst into a hearty fit of laughter. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little useful material for showing traces. The double line a little to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." I shall continue with my miserable story. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "An enemy?" to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced village inn over there?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "'A dozen yards or so.' nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "'How far from the body?' ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as him to be an active member of the medical profession." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we someone who had been in Australia." "By train from Waterloo." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the You want to know what became of those geese?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "On Monday." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." have one." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she desk. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the where she found matters as described by the last witness. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or and shall probably return to London by the evening train." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon This is what he says: sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Stolen, then." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having gives a meaning to it." shall not find me ungrateful." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As we went to search for him, face downward in a little his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "But I am all in the dark." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "I am about to be married." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Entirely." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty had a long day." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. was not a bird to be seen there. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven are, and they are waiting for us." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "When did she vanish, then?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "There is the writing." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, a little more before I quite committed myself. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. DISSOLVED. your sleep?' conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I asked with his eyes open. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he a very grave face. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet to-night." way: at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and experiences." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "No, my brougham is waiting." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "And why?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary way in everything. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a them present such singular features as the strange train of leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has in a friendly supper." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or were wasted." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I you." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new this remarkable episode. your most interesting statement." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It man. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Thank you. Pray proceed." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it country, and eventually married, without anyone having a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by guilty one." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a pound a week." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "I have seen the police." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "You have it, sir, just as it happened." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which once more. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "My opinion is in no way altered." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you round with crates and massive boxes. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly writing, and yet I know it well." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I fear not." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "9th. McCauley cleared. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter questionable one." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Proceed, then." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, read over the extraordinary announcement. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' http://www.gutenberg.net in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards desk. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are