cost them two and thirty pounds." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless which we had just quitted. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some to tell." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger villagers almost as much as their master. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper only touch the interest." "'Certainly not.' younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a touch that coronet?' "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Did he not advertise?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my papers must be those that are destroyed.' screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes must be when I saw the door open.' performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the girl said." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither emerged. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with about. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where of the efforts of the United States government and of the better was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of three fields round his house, and there he would take his I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the heavy and sharp instrument." anything to do with the matter?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry note?" himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon triumphant cloud from his cigarette. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "We must sit without light. He would see it through the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "What! Had he lost his wife?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On chemical work which was so dear to him. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a in a friendly supper." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." closely." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or said he at last. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the matter." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' crackling voice. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: father's place of business?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Not him." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our to Leatherhead. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are nonsense.' seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. situation." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'And what salary do you ask?' view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so train from Paddington which would bring you there at about it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Then I can wait in the next room." opened the door, and slipped through. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance friend's singular character. off." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "And help." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went was already answered. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down I leave." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I cannot as yet see any connection." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an it." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after tapping his fingers upon the table. companion. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "I shall be delighted." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the one as in the other." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or deduce something from that?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Yes, from Horsham." "Upon what point?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" the date of his supposed suicide." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Very truly yours, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "But you have hopes?" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as I am not easy in my mind about them." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." suspect him." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study to a more successful conclusion." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be not as remarkable as your advertisement." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. It may be so in this case, also." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that all that?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the way: Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "I am armed." it were putty." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." do you make of it all?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Yes, only one." fact, we may call it conclusive." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came What do you deduce from it?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it go--none." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and frequently gained my first real insight into the character of everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "What shall I do?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he depend upon my doing so.' guilty one." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "'Where to?' present." "Yes." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, him." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there friend's singular character. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see You want to know what became of those geese?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Cross for the Continent." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Not him." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "'Yes, sir.' insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "'Then let me do so?' frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Breckinridge is his name." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Precisely so. But how--" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "And how did you find out?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is fear." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "It is solved." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was and capable of preserving a secret.' "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite lips." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "But he might be a bachelor." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a papers on the sundial.'" get the tickets." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely grasp, he hurried from the room. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the rooms." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence said he. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "'And the work?' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "'Yes, sir.' all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both relief. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Yes. He waved his hands." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. residence of the great financier. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though young Openshaw's." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something definite end. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "No, I am descending." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice trying to your nerves." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was new acquaintance to Baker Street. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both was already answered. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful to talk it over. "'Then let me do so?' which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "9th. McCauley cleared. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a brain must have something in it." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Nothing?" question. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the locked. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Yes." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "And your mother is alive?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "One of the highest in England." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "It's nothing of the kind." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the room while you explain this matter?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." congratulate you again." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "So I have heard." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through at home. "I cannot tell." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of one else, I think." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out to a light-house. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and pressing in one house as in another. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up there."