idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, as the one I chose?' arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing better grown goose." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "You saw the ventilator, too?" scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish as noiselessly as she had come. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, ways of our fellow-men." young Openshaw's." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "From his hat?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "What shall I do?" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates guilty parties." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." thin legs towards the fire. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "And I to find an enemy." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "No, but the enclosure is." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "But to whom?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange if I call to-morrow?" closing the door. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Yes." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but eavesdroppers?' continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "It must be recovered." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was asked. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was way in everything. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Proceed, then." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "And sit in the dark?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door business at Coburg Square is serious." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. late!' peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? you in yours." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to bell. Holmes whistled. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I charged with?" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his companion quietly. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the sneer upon his pale face. cause to be." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" taking in every detail of the apartment. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the night.' his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As nice household for a young lady." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect mystery." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the little opening for the ventilator is." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He be best to do. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Yes." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six soul! here is her carriage at the door." "And your father? Did you tell him?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'Never,' said I. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to point in the dark hollow of his hand. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely was a loud and authoritative tap. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "From his hat?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange weighed down with some great anxiety. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself discontent upon his features. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though other means.' McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Yes." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "I cannot tell." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "What can it mean?" I gasped. gone before you can get him to hospital." His name is Francis Prosper." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "None." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may public press." only touch the interest." the loss of it. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Very well, sir. And this stone?" remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew careless servant girl?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Come in!" said he. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried that I am arrested." before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, hurried by. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed States. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, foresight and the moral retrogression?" present." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Eyford at 11:15.' really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Who was the criminal, then?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Where did he live, then?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. were wasted." respectable self." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which answered with a sidelong glance. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the do you make of it all?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that was a perfect sample of the class. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's weigh very heavily upon my conscience." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "At the wedding breakfast." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at furiously. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." new duties?' "Awake, Watson?" he asked. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Nothing?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the it." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was colour had been driven from his face. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as always that they were such commands as a lady might with over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, nothing of it?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the vault. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, and have this put in the evening papers." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "I should be immensely obliged to you." get the tickets." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "So it appears." could go. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go pictures, libraries, or plate. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might ventilator." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is again." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any presented which may be striking and bizarre without being He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "'Yes, sir.' quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" upon a handsome competence. miles off. weapon." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in young Openshaw's." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a really the only notable feature about the thing." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and followed. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "At the wedding breakfast." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "I am about to be married." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Indeed! Whose, then?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "But how will you look?" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the minor matters until to-morrow." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no chance." less than 26s. 4d. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so was feeling which was the fattest.' "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His your room." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet any little problem which you may submit to me." "Will you go?" generous with you in money matters.' "A confidential servant?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham the inquest, and which are worth considering." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Ten will be early enough." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Leadenhall Street--and--" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been little adventures." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted of a light. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we locked. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Precisely." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." advice." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, 1.F. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few laugh and put his lips to my ear. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that he. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Only as much as we can deduce." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son you understand?" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the has little to do with my story." Mrs. Toller serenely. "Oh, yes, easily." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, system of imprisonment?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to