his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Dr. Gregory B. Newby may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from companion imperturbably. acted in my house last night?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "'I have already given you my word.' who was a member of your goose club." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "None." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of following enigmatical notices: keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Ah!" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I cannot think." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an my little problems." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that guilty parties." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Is he quiet?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Look there!" said he. look dissatisfied." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I was once confined in the cab my mission was practically glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was and looked back. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy posted to-day." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and new duties?' "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "By train from Waterloo." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. copied or distributed: "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." a little more before I quite committed myself. "I would pay ten." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. your sleep?' "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a than to us. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the some terrible trap for her." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the salesman. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily hurried away. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, sparkled upon his finger. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Holmes rather sternly. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be chance at all." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the chance at all." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "'Yes, I promise.' "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great in your London, you will know that the office of the company is and looked back. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have matter." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the best of training." Literary Archive Foundation instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! allusion to a rat. wall." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the dangers which encompass me." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Witness: It was. you understand?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them I shall continue with my miserable story. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect a monotonous occupation." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I to go into your room and bar your shutters?" narrative." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall vague figure huddled up in the darkness. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Yes, sir." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Gutenberg-tm License. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "And you can do nothing until then?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy and your relations to her." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I experiences." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a closely." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I all-comprehensive glances. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, just called myself is not exactly my own." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock and effective." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His opened a pocket-book and took out a note. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a woman." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." coroner's jury." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his thirty. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned so far?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until some mystery and the punishment of some crime." populous neighbourhood." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I help us in this matter." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "I will do it." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter the warnings." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is public press." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little think you a quite exceptional woman." purpose of examination. to talk it over. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, a room. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Then how many are there?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the chance at all." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that which was all perfectly true. "'What do you call purely nominal?' away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "My stepfather's business papers." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "That's no good." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "May I see it?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." least a most suspicious remark." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room green of the new foliage. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we of Fenchurch Street." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I sufficient punishment." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when which our visitor detailed to us. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "And why?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "That is possible." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I your most interesting statement." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "We must have a cab." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the that I may have something better before very many minutes are in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Yes, only one." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, delirious. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no never came back." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Street. spare." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, system of imprisonment?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" results." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Which are?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "And you thought he was pulled back?" coroner's jury." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they records." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Certainly, madam." ashen face. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Leave Paddington by the 11:15." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I conduct the inquiry." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "I shall be delighted." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She think that he is innocent?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The at home. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "But it has twice been burgled." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom the driver. papers on the sundial.'" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "I beg pardon." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the points to suicide?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the warnings." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You bare slabs of marble. "Were they all fastened this morning?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when rooms." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Have you good authority for what you say?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall wanted for ourselves." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he searched, without anything being found which could incriminate ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. girl said." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent was already answered. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress means taking possession of that which another person has a prior public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "And why?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you a few minutes he said that it would be all right. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Pool. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and quickly through a disagreeable task. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Then I am your man." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "No good news?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates it." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss that you saw all that I did." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the for and were ordered to this address. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned morning." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to that the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Yes, I have one waiting." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have will take you up to see the machine.' of the efforts of the United States government and of the better cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Not in a good cause." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who breakfast?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Where does the thing come from?' makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful thin legs towards the fire. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. crackling voice. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at see a sister of mine apply for." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. placed his cuttings. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Yes." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" strong reason behind." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which walking." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "The doctor?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. overpowering excitement and concern. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. union?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his I shall continue with my miserable story. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and