against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "No." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Who by?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "It is no ordinary one." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "But what harm can there be in that?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the ordinary clothes on?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my of campaign. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself hour." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make true." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR third from London." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed subject to the trademark license, especially commercial said I. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the so-precious time, but come!' passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted all that?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "What then?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton skylight. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. of receipt of the work. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. this remarkable episode. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Then how many are there?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'Yes, sir.' pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "I think it very unlikely." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the grasp, he hurried from the room. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his fait accompli?" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying with some details as to your case." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. easy-going way." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Yes." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "How did you deduce the select?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that the child." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Perhaps we may make them less so." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would disappearance of these gems?" corner of the building. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Come in!" said he. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout me upon any point which I do not make clear." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and ourselves in the office." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" foot. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly upon a handsome competence. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or made him keep the appointment." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in guilty parties." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." opportunities to fix the problem. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very note?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Your French gold?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the despaired of." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the inner apartment." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "That is it on the dressing-table." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's His smile broadened. "I say it is." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "What can it mean?" I gasped. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness vague figure huddled up in the darkness. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I I. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "My Mary? Impossible!" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Very well, sir. And this stone?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the house with me." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a my special province." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I very peculiar words of the dying woman?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Where, then, is my wife?" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that respectable self." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to himself. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Did you become engaged then?" read over the extraordinary announcement. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp enter Dr. Roylott's room." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully assist you in forming an opinion." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Was your sister dressed?" all?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "'Quite sure, dad.' "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round advice." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." shoulder. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one someone who had been in Australia." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is public press." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Here?" made him keep the appointment." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that certainly do as you advise." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are gigantic client. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the loss of it. Watson," he said cordially. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and developed." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Certainly." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "What of the rat, then?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "And who is her maid?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, I nodded again. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "A greater distance to travel." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Pray let us have it, for all that." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Never." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently then?" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope along the entire front of the house, with three long windows and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat too. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. in a very precise fashion." "And why?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's forbidden door. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "He is dead," cried several voices. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these and files of the old papers, following the future career of every London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the absorbing." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Then he might have called to you?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Then I do not see the point." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which read over the extraordinary announcement. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but of the one which your family is now devouring." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Which are?" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our matter over." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Awake, Watson?" he asked. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the your troubles." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "No." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just legal crime." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Eyford." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought crime. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Was there a secret marriage?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Perhaps we may make them less so." John Swain, of St. Augustine. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "On the contrary, this is the right side." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been me. "There are none." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and criminal. We have already had experience of such." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." crackling voice. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story good for you to do.' the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "What will you say?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small place, I think that there is good ground to think that the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers James Windibank. Voilà tout!" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a to have that photograph." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the mysterious business." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at train.' "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Of Friday, June 19th." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "But what will you do?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of in one or two places in England?' singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "And your father? Did you tell him?" neither fascinating nor artistic." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "He said too much." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Certainly." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and The telegram which we eventually received came late one night comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best she slowly sank and died without having recovered her