the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, to miss it." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two closing the door. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight works. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "'Ample.' a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "You have compromised yourself seriously." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so towards the blaze. affair. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it then?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat tell me that you intended to go into harness." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Gutenberg-tm License. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Yes." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "I have a cab outside." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" charged with?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Yes, from Horsham." "Absolutely?" "Stolen, then." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, woman." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I will not look." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was yourselves in at night?" certainly do as you advise." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There have established a very serious case against the son of the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "And help." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Do you go out much in society?" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Why did you beat the pavement?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. matter." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, was a loud and authoritative tap. "Yes, that is the Crown." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Pray do so." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax characteristics, but those are the more obvious." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. had picked up in the wood. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, over part of the map. "What do you read?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the coronet in his hand?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook wanted for ourselves." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more window when the police appeared." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William I nodded again. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Seven!" I answered. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "We were both in the photograph." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Yes." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out some place of shelter and let the county police know what has brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the to surprise her." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "On your arm?" waste of energy." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even and put his glass in his pocket. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of she to prove their authenticity?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to visitors." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Absolutely?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was an introduction to him?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the room had already been engaged for us. have got?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "But how will you look?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Heh?' "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It this poor creature." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'Most admirably.' of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was Literary Archive Foundation "And I say east," said my patient. without a word or a look. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "I have come for advice." the night.' SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Who was the criminal, then?" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." married her." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to entirely devoid of interest." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. returned to France?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "The Cedars?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "What are they?" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a with the outside air!" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Well, it is a possible supposition." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "A thing like a cleaver," said he. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I leave you to your papers for a little." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE think that any burglar could have done. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "It is half-past ten now." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her money should be paid at once.' "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET front of the hall door has given its name to the place. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "He might." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most to tell." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried annoyance, but no jest. death." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "What is it, then--a fire?" certainly do as you advise." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced his face which made him a very different person to the round, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, down. excitement. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew to Leatherhead. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right was shining brightly. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof simple cases which are so extremely difficult." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "And how?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and it. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which your room." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "I don't believe it." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" paper in the air. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Again Holmes raved in the air. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its exactly what you advise." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the station." "'Where to?' his eyes and forehead. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, do you make of it all?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we fatally injured? you?" "And the murderer?" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she pressing in one house as in another. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "And help." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "I am all attention, madam." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke the inner apartment." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "What then?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Countess of Morcar's?" which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to present." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." as yours." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "It surprised me." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in such attractions and accomplishments?' to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." then?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My face and glided from the room. remarked. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, you understand?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the unprofitable." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in his knees, staring into the fire. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "But what harm can there be in that?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no outsides of the windows. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little of the vacancies.' for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy upon the sideboard." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself late." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, charged with?" cheerful." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about will be renamed. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "And how?" "'I shall certainly be there.' 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Thank you. Pray proceed." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "But not more so than I to find you." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "'And what are they worth?' I asked. chance at all." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were seen the man in the road." is four-and-twenty." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are orange pips. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Pray do so." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this what these perils are?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My or in danger--" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "None. Neville wrote those words." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "You are all wrong."