"It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "And how did you find out?" "Pray let us have it, for all that." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; are, I think, all that we need." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm is so. I know all about McCarthy." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' congenial hunt. really the only notable feature about the thing." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Yes, it was twisted." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. was a loud and authoritative tap. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what a suggestive one." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the said he at last. lectures into a series of tales." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the went to the Alpha were town bred." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "You know me, then?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "No, but the enclosure is." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were closing the door. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my him to go away.' Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that he died? saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, tension within him. knowledge of the world." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "'You cannot say what it was?' of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you against a man in the prime of life?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "What, then, did Peterson do?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "What steps will you take?" I asked. straightened it out again. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. learned something! Where are the gems?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Not in a good cause." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who this unhappy family?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is way in everything. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Come in!" said he. "I should be immensely obliged to you." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." chambers. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us helping a boy to put up the shutters. "I never have." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of tail." "What, then, did Peterson do?" very old mansion. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "My Mary? Impossible!" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one ways including including checks, online payments and credit card read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to read it out to me." was keenly on my guard against him. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, imbecility!" he cried. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the as the one I chose?' "It must be recovered." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "That you are never beaten." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but burst out into a roar of laughter. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to several quiet little villages up there." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was learned something! Where are the gems?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, affair. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Will you bet, then?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich was a loud and authoritative tap. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Stoke Moran?" said he. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the questionable one." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable ways including including checks, online payments and credit card o'clock is it?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "No." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Entirely." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, behind me. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Dark enough and sinister enough." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Where, then?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "I would pay ten." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Street. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "No." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' vault. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, felt the room to be a little close.' "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Absolutely?" I was concerned in it." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Foundation shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few your billet.' I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "'Quite sure, dad.' footfalls from the street. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up placed his cuttings. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "We were both in the photograph." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the disappearance of these gems?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "I guessed as much." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the may never be exposed to such a temptation." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which flock.' can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Then I am your man." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to money should be paid at once.' "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Holmes. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in friends, not even his own brother. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of kind enough to tell me what I should do." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." father's young wife. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the night.' From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET do.' attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which off." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated British peeress.'" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' events than those which have happened in my own family." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us make me his representative both with the servants and with the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." companion. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable fled together." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "I am in hopes that she does." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the father's young wife. Project Gutenberg-tm works. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards night.' said he. see me here to avoid scandal." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of information in his hands the value of which he did not himself business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "And I say east," said my patient. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "What, then?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the best of training." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "You horrify me." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must green of the new foliage. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "'There is a drive, then?' the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler His smile broadened. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "'Stolen!' he cried. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Was there a secret marriage?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle enter Dr. Roylott's room." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of during that time.' He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With acted in my house last night?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. were wasted." spare." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was from you?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. 1.E.9. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Of Friday, June 19th." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "No, my brougham is waiting." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange for its centre. "Yes." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "My dear Holmes!" "That is possible." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Yes, that is the Crown." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Eyford at 11:15.' "There is the writing." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, look dissatisfied." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door his cane at the bell-pull. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the young Openshaw's." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over think that he is innocent?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge of this gang." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. and the colonel ushered me in. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "What shall I do?" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Sutherland?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang you came in." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the if I call to-morrow?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is present." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Sutherland?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I cannot think." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would be. "This concluded the examination of the witness." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "I say that I have solved it." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel,