test if we have an answer to our advertisement." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how lost his Christmas dinner." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Now, then, what's the last entry?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither chair. to you." once more for Briony Lodge. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Yes." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all humiliation." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "I am all attention, madam." in him." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, about. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, throat." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "So it appears." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once she used." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour outsides of the windows. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "'Never.' "Yes." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst against a man in the prime of life?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "What will you say?" colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, more solid." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET never will be, entirely cleared up. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to strong and stiff." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I but preventing her from injuring another. "Texas, I think." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "I was mad--insane." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man was feeling which was the fattest.' however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. washing it down with a long draught of water. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you thin legs towards the fire. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was him and tried to hold him back. eat it." little adventures." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "You don't mind breaking the law?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going rose-bushes. know what is wrong with it.' this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with security.' "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch make me his representative both with the servants and with the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was lamp in his hand. when you have done it." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "It certainly sounds feasible." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." shall not find me ungrateful." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, Serpentine Avenue. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. least a most suspicious remark." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "You were travelling in the States?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Farm upon the left." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no and a shock of very red hair. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the yourselves in at night?" relief. the so-precious time, but come!' it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the where she found matters as described by the last witness. I shall communicate with you." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. all?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he case before our client came into the room." "No, finished." "That is it on the dressing-table." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Thank you. Pray proceed." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "No, distinctly professional." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear begun to whiten, even as mine has." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to begin with, and I had not got mine yet." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "You horrify me!" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "What have you to say now?" said he at last. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project some mystery and the punishment of some crime." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down I think that I could be of assistance to you." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "And on what day did he meet his death?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "You are all wrong." were wasted." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly will be renamed. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, pound a week." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "I shall most certainly do so." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a and put his glass in his pocket. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still views." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "You horrify me." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice me have 200 pounds?' "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' papers must be those that are destroyed.' seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "There is the writing." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour danger is over." a monotonous occupation." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing delirious. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Then what has happened to him?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Certainly." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too mystery!" suddenly upon us." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen until night should bring an explanation. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able asked with his eyes open. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and me." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very I approached. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that appeared upon the scene." "But you have hopes?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should colonel looking down at me. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished colour had been driven from his face. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to is entirely a question of barometric pressure." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not village inn over there?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. chamber." up this clue while it is still hot." weighed down with some great anxiety. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture particular state visit http://pglaf.org he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that charge against him will break down." "No sign of it?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" dates and names. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the one as in the other." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Then what has happened to him?" "It was." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat would then never go into court at all." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "On the contrary, this is the right side." strong and stiff." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven observed. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Leave Paddington by the 11:15." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "And why?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection know all about it," he snarled. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See if she died from some sudden fright." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Witness: I must still refuse. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double crime." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "A client, then?" to affect your life." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique annoyance, but no jest. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, sooner or later she must fall a victim. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "No, I think that I'll take it." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was way: "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it not as remarkable as your advertisement." himself to tell his story. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the fire. You quite follow me?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then man. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "I have solved it." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. in darkness. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving into her hand at the door and which lured her within their as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Why serious?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but and inquire as to the address." highroad, where all traces were lost. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to His name is Francis Prosper." where we are going." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and to-night?' "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "And you don't know his address?" Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. business." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair.