story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, and capable of preserving a secret.' used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that I nodded to show that I had heard. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "That was it, sir." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Yes." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a begun to whiten, even as mine has." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "I answered that I had not. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "You have carte blanche." tapping his fingers upon the table. "And who is her maid?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and so.' 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "So I am. Very much so." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of searched, without anything being found which could incriminate that I am arrested." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." politicians who had been sent down from the North. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "'Yes.' opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for placed his cuttings. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no before the coroner and the police-court." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Tired-looking or fresh?" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "That is also quite modern," said the lady. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "You know me, then?" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I wanted for ourselves." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their because she had spent so short a time in this country that she in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "What is it, then--a fire?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Why, it's a dummy," said he. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same open." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to call for it in person on Monday morning.' villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "What! a murderous attack?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Texas, I think." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want head. So long, then!" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to do.' Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "No. His orders were to stay in the house." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step derbies." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he humiliation." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he know that the truth is known." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of when your master had gone out." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. asked. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and the tragedy. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "And I to find an enemy." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "And the cigar-holder?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her already been minutely examined." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, his cane at the bell-pull. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Quite so." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely friends, not even his own brother. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before of the way of danger. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for London for the present?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. awaited us upon the table. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "And what then?" "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the roots. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked you." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just have got?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at were new raised from a basin. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an least a most suspicious remark." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your both be extremely obliged.' evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "What can you not understand?" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too question," said Holmes, smiling. introspective fashion. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "And your mother is alive?" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean him!" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Pope's Court. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Yes, all." lost nothing by them." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon round and wave him away like that.' Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely front of me. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "And sit in the dark?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my eat it." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind cheerful." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE followed. "Pray do so." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I promise," said Holmes. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. cheerful." "His face fell immediately. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' with frightened eyes at his accuser. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and fait accompli?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Yesterday." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." third from London." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant families. Now for the facts. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my not interfere, come what may. You understand?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, of it with the greatest attention. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Where to?" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Which are?" the house with me." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the breakfast?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "A client, then?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his interests were the same as his." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge straightened it out again. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I our word." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think down in his armchair and closing his eyes. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found little adventures." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' go back?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste was not a bird to be seen there. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord conceal it?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "'Why that?' I asks. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence for its centre. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Get out!" said he. heavy and sharp instrument." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." I nodded to show that I had heard. golden eyeglasses. "'I shall certainly be there.' accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the that?' there in twenty minutes." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the little opening for the ventilator is." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, up this clue while it is still hot." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Have you good authority for what you say?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some had no one to advise her at such a crisis." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the manager. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly jewels which you have stolen?' the child." crackling voice. "Certainly." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on photograph?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Is he quiet?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without them?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'How far from the body?' not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "How did he come?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It arrested. You then--" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the death." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "'Most admirably.' difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. him and tried to hold him back. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Pray tell us what has happened to you." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, she used." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting The King stared at him in amazement. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my correct than the official force." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they front of me. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An business." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a telegram would bring me down to your help." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "No." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I any more." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon John Swain, of St. Augustine. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three presume?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed just called myself is not exactly my own." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Stolen, then." "ARAT," I read. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "You have compromised yourself seriously." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange disturbance in my wife." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the the coronet in his hands?" Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently which our visitor detailed to us. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" in his power. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes suspect him." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon case before our client came into the room." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Where, indeed?" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, newspaper selections." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered second." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,'