eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Can I be of assistance?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some Lee, in the county of Kent." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen back alive. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "What are they?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point good-night and bustled off upon her way. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "What is it, then--a fire?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were returned to France?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Murdered?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Arthur Conan Doyle overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only second window is the one that I jumped from." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "I would give my fortune to have them back." mysterious end." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had her also." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. written, and locked the door of the office after me. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is coat-tails." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it looking up at the numbers of the houses." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. has little to do with my story." Surrey." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. bonnet, and went out." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Just look it up, then." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Was the window open?" other means.' London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. best detective that ever lived. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Could he throw no light?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "You have but to name it." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. the inquest, and which are worth considering." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about cigars in the box." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew really the only notable feature about the thing." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "You think so, too?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had trying to your nerves." father's place of business?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Did your wife hear all this?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Just look it up, then." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Stolen." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Surrey." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "How can you tell that?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in the matter." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "And the murderer?" "I will not look." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. was used.' hour?' she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are The note was undated, and without either signature or address. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I away into the river." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond I think that I could be of assistance to you." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the people in all walks of life. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had stood on the top of it. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There you give your casting vote to?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. which it had come upon my father." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and might help us?" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and arrested. You then--" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." not fit the lock." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Yes." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the address that was given us in the advertisement. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Where is it, then?" obstinate." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own answered with a sidelong glance. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. you?' right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very became a certainty. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" in my life." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, just called myself is not exactly my own." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "I see no marks." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "But it has twice been burgled." mystery." "I should be immensely obliged to you." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow floor. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "This photograph!" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." it." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Here?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I posted to-day." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of followed. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "What! a murderous attack?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. waste of energy." drove away. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a galvanised. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were once more. when you have done it." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "I am to be neutral?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to remarked. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "But your client--" allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a highroad, where all traces were lost. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Whose house is it?" a very grave face. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to emerged. obstinate." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell furiously. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to But Holmes shook his head gravely. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until learned something! Where are the gems?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having 'I should be able to look after that for you.' at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the laugh and put his lips to my ear. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice despair." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." hands. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms quickly through a disagreeable task. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Yes, at the mines." "But of what society?" "May I see it?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of records." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I to miss it." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too lids now and glanced across at his visitor. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "'Most admirably.' lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for writers could invent nothing more crude." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "You'll never persuade me to believe that." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental think that any burglar could have done. secret." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were could go. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Whose house is it?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "His face fell immediately. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "'Where to?' "Dark enough and sinister enough." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "No, my brougham is waiting." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the chance." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call photograph?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "I have my revolver," said I. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Of what?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands your bag." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Always." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was back alive. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they congenial hunt. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." chemical work which was so dear to him. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to bonnet, and went out." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of you came in." "Stolen." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the get her out of the way." "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the inner apartment." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "But she will refuse." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "His face fell immediately. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately have not had my rubber." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As may have an influence upon European history." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "I don't say that. Perhaps." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the I leave." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Entirely." upon the sideboard." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan case before our client came into the room." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the assist you in forming an opinion." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air to tell." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "BALLARAT." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand there." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for prisoner's face. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It opened a pocket-book and took out a note. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I