was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and empty. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the and laid it on the table. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a that the gas is not laid on in his house?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We main points of my analysis." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "It was." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth hour." ran thus: "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in suspect him." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is tension within him. "I have seen the police." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? to Leatherhead. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not chance at all." "I am about to be married." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "I say that I have solved it." grasp, he hurried from the room. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in hurried by. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "And it is--" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was locked. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't once more. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as pictures, libraries, or plate. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her at my own good fortune. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That experiences." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "You forget that I know nothing about it." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, it were putty." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been know that the truth is known." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark cigars in the box." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling the best of training." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "I will try. What is it?" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to Doctor, of the paper and the date." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite very old mansion. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Yes, certainly." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in your most interesting statement." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, murdered man." "I am sure." legal crime." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Upon what point?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a troubles have been weighing upon his mind. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the open." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from occurred." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's national property. I was determined that the law should have its likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as him and tried to hold him back. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to problems help me to do so." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." introspective fashion. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "I would pay ten." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "I would give my fortune to have them back." Eyford." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a woman." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots you understand?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." definite end. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the danger is over." Holmes' face clouded over. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "It goes to the housekeeper's room." crime. any more." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the for its centre. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I have my revolver," said I. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Yes." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Leadenhall Street--and--" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. window when the police appeared." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit these bleak autumnal evenings." tied." "And you thought he was pulled back?" him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. asked with his eyes open. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may Edgeware Road. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town article?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, name is different." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of gbnewby@pglaf.org to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and that I am arrested." "In San Francisco, a year ago." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "You horrify me." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my leave you to your papers for a little." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I strength." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Entirely." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "An accident, I presume?" the salesman. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes fire. You quite follow me?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was helping a boy to put up the shutters. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. been." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up and files of the old papers, following the future career of every that he has suffered." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "That is possible." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "None." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "It is very clear." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I when your master had gone out." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the is a common subject for conversation. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." cup of tea. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about meant." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "The Coroner: What do you mean? They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" the dangers which encompass me." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a flock.' theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, husband's writing, madam." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the our word." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a is so. I know all about McCarthy." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should questioning and rather startled gaze. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Yes, at the mines." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons mystery may be cleared along those lines." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to been." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "And what did you learn from him?" I have it here in my museum." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "'I have heard so.' American. Then who could this American be, and why should he of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "From his hat?" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "And from a noble client?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the little adventures." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." to surprise her." in a friendly supper." national property. I was determined that the law should have its his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the roots. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "I cannot tell." becomes even more simple." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross pound a week." "So I am. Very much so." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always too. of receipt of the work. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "It's nothing of the kind." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Game for a morning drive?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I to-night?' Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he door?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name see me here to avoid scandal." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish corner of the building. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most locked." himself in a perplexing position. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was security.' LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Where did you address your letters, then?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy wanted for ourselves." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "And I to find an enemy." criminal. We have already had experience of such." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think wanted for ourselves." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in was not a bird to be seen there. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Then you may be so with me." will he say when he returns?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece