the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, will he say when he returns?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the help us in this matter." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly country, and eventually married, without anyone having a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "But you were on a friendly footing?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "An accident, I presume?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere of his shoulders. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Was she in good spirits?" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Yes, it would be as well." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "But we can't all be." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a outside. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad to you." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away there was no need for father to know." "She walked into the breakfast-room." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of fled together." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know voice, changing her seat as requested. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Entirely." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him could go. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "By no means." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "You have a clue?" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "My dear Holmes!" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings and the colonel ushered me in. to miss it." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the hurried by. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "What then?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "'As governess?' leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be take the flies, but not before." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Yes." weapon." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us lumber-room." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. IS Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "So I heard. You have him here?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative back to my heart. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey is four-and-twenty." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen one which it was hard to resist. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, his cane at the bell-pull. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had ashen face. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out is now desirous of getting those letters back." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "What?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Then, as to money?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Not in a good cause." "When did she vanish, then?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "How do you know, then?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, asked with his eyes open. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, should be taken.' "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Yes." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of bedroom door." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and fat-encircled eyes. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "I would pay ten." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that upon an income of about 60 pounds." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." she used." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "But your client--" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "The King of Scandinavia." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told only touch the interest." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "No good news?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "They are typewritten," I remarked. "We must have a cab." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. hurried away. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the once more to my work. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes there was no need for father to know." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "'Entirely.' signal between you and your father? we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'Ten to two.' I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. sake, don't!" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET vault. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with grasp, he hurried from the room. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that at home. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Pool. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "I have solved it." at my remark. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and was it brought him the coronet? called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? good-night and bustled off upon her way. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "There are none." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret enter Dr. Roylott's room." tail." it right.' broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Leadenhall Street--and--" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong if only as a check to my own memory." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "'What then?' I asked. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy geese which you supplied to the Alpha." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "But the mystery?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the had died away into the silence from which it rose. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "But how?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" page at http://pglaf.org said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Yes." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "'Yes, it was gone.' down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Witness: Nothing definite. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was status with the IRS. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at gone. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which or in danger--" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "My dear Holmes!" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Eyford." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm correct than the official force." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have ventilator." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "And how?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps whether it answered to the description of any of their once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. salesman. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, know all about it," he snarled. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." was lame." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a indeed happy." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper key turn in the lock." "A call for help, you thought?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of noting anything else of interest. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss would then never go into court at all." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up asked. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "How on earth--" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Where does the thing come from?' peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and there in twenty minutes." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and bled considerably." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort hands. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." that I am arrested." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of the King without delay." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, what do you think they found in the pockets?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" and looked back. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to anything to a woman, for she would have her way." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, said I. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my promised to bring home. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Nearly eleven." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. occurred." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "And I." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "That is not always so easy." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon easy-going way." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of affair. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She presume?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "But I have heard all that you have heard." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "I will do it." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Holmes, the busybody!" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Then you may entirely rely on me." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. go back?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you and the church but not where the lady lived." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter face and glided from the room. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked arrangements."