"Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would country, and eventually married, without anyone having a but preventing her from injuring another. in the hope of finding them." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the nice household for a young lady." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the to change my dress. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, that you saw all that I did." advice." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Was she in good spirits?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would case-book, which he consulted. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new the coroner come to?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed go--none." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He foresight and the moral retrogression?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of made him keep the appointment." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the danger is over." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of 1.F. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Countess of Morcar's?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain you want, then?' "'And what are they worth?' I asked. fait accompli?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to simple cases which are so extremely difficult." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be leave you to your papers for a little." the date of his supposed suicide." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son back to my heart. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Really! You surprise me." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the retorted upon me, and I on you." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier hands. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of call for it in person on Monday morning.' States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful generous with you in money matters.' "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Henry Baker is a member." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the room. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his again before evening." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular hand, madam?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and which our visitor detailed to us. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "I am about to be married." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to drove away. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Ah, but I was recommended to you." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De one which it was hard to resist. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a with her." obstinate." something of him before." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting works. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman made him keep the appointment." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." my secret was safe in his possession. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "But I have heard all that you have heard." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "What steps will you take?" I asked. to-night." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "One?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural friends, not even his own brother. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate second." "Very. But will he see it?" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his gone. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "If I can be of use." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "It was." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. enter Dr. Roylott's room." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "No, my brougham is waiting." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Where does the thing come from?' to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have your co-operation." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event bearing upon the case." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off October 9, 1890. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. on re-entering her father's house?" Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. the best of training." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "And is that all?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you rooms." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "What! Had he lost his wife?" for its centre. "It surprised me." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Was there a secret marriage?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally them, and came down just as you departed. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your wanted for ourselves." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "I promise," said Holmes. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of without a word or a look. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "One of the highest in England." voice, changing her seat as requested. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to pierced for earrings?" unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." became a certainty. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Certainly." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit tied." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, answered with a sidelong glance. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of the roots. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Chief Executive and Director a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers enter into my head. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are the child." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set later, upon the night of May 2nd." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four other, as fresh and trim as possible. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed woman who has had her own way to make in the world. mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Entirely." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Yes." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear I nodded again. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I question you as to those details which seem to me to be most He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "It surprised me." feature." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should this remarkable episode. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. better grown goose." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" province." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress the King without delay." "What can it mean?" I gasped. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined mystery." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "But she could not love him." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Dirty?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in carried out of court." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for he died? make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from your most interesting statement." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Yes." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "That you are never beaten." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "What will you do, then?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the do you make of it all?" Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can fact, we may call it conclusive." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it of Mr. Rucastle's." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now grasp, he hurried from the room. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady occurred." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "My private note-paper." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a detective. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. papers." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of and I shall be with you presently." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." miles off. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but people in all walks of life. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion three of the beryls in it, was missing. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "And how did you verify them?"