"Ha! In Victoria! That is important." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions views." situation." breakfast." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of there." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "You heard nothing yourself last night?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He ourselves in the office." is worth.' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Yes, only one." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "It is a murder, then?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but the side-table." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some been shamefully used." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive of his shoulders. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the best of training." him. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the address that was given us in the advertisement. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Never to return." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. here." guilty parties." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like papers must be those that are destroyed.' from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "'And the work?' extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his indeed happy." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "You have compromised yourself seriously." any little problem which you may submit to me." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "It is to him that this trophy belongs." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing row." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Is he quiet?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "What have you to say now?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "And that is--" highroad, where all traces were lost. it." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "How did he come?" better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "But his left-handedness." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Do you go out much in society?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your and inquire as to the address." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "'In my own bureau.' with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, overpowering excitement and concern. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying think, you have already met." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Gutenberg-tm License. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which upon the white wrist. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "VIOLET HUNTER." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon I think that I could be of assistance to you." Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Your presence might be invaluable." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Stolen." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be closing the door. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It leave you to your papers for a little." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my discontent upon his features. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your just ask you whether you had heard it.' very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Have you good authority for what you say?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "And from a noble client?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "And Miss Sutherland?" "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good page at http://pglaf.org least a fellow-countryman. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Yes." "'Ample.' upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little other means.' no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the with her." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To me. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "But what will you do?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" tail." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. not, dad?" she asked. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is as the one I chose?' and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin Arthur Conan Doyle from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method chambers. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically to some other building. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "What then?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his giving me time to thank him. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, for securing the situation." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of foresight and the moral retrogression?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one purpose equally well?" "What then?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about shaken than I had ever seen him. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, how narrow had been my escape. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had silent! Oh, he will be silent!' incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." fatally injured? he. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a for the market.' your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the wedding?" answered with a sidelong glance. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction the ceiling. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Was she in good spirits?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with likely to be some crony of the landlady's." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. more terrible than the truth. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been coroner's jury." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the 'please.'" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the dangers which encompass me." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. such attractions and accomplishments?' everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The excitement. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "It is no ordinary one." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg room had already been engaged for us. "What do you make of that, Watson?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' this unhappy family?" said he. gentleman's clothes. "'Certainly,' I answered. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly over part of the map. "What do you read?" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on in the hope of finding them." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then to arrive at through this?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the should be so warm over such a trifle." occurred." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady to-morrow." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to envelope. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." DISSOLVED. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Come in!" said he. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so quite distinctive." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was it." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical there has been an enclosure here!" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I was mad--insane." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the disappearance of the bride.'" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a some city in a dream. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Have you it here?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "What are they?" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet how narrow had been my escape. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "'Yes, sir.' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Then you may be so with me." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near arrested. You then--" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," III. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Witness: It was. four million human beings all jostling each other within the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up papers diligently of late, have you not?" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I upon the white wrist. will not take me long to tell. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was a lad." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, like gravel from a pit.' He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the him to go away.' It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have what do you think they found in the pockets?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she me." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she up this clue while it is still hot." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot house for five minutes.' "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "And when will you call?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the again, where I was soon asleep. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "'There is a drive, then?' of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do your bag." "Precisely." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab,