the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense ceremony." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "That was it, sir." "This photograph!" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his golden eyeglasses. matter over." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Perhaps I have." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "And your mother is alive?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight opportunities to fix the problem. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' most important business. It is probable that he will be away all be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Then I shall certainly come." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is relief. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Then I am your man." him, that man would not have given me such complete information beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "It certainly sounds feasible." will take you up to see the machine.' Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "My dear Holmes!" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I your equipment. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "And now?" He raised his hand. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went hour?' "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "And your mother is alive?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the would then never go into court at all." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Where, then, is my wife?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "In which, sir?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this once more on the important position which you have been fortunate character. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her may never be exposed to such a temptation." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "I would pay ten." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working enter Dr. Roylott's room." breakfast?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As opportunities to fix the problem. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "That sounds a little paradoxical." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw outsides of the windows. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "I am to be neutral?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with assist you in forming an opinion." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Well?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." look upon these things in a different way." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that in his hands." closing the door. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by cigars in their mouths. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Munro.' should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him any." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Really! You surprise me." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. least a fellow-countryman. "Stolen, then." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they to a more successful conclusion." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the fear." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "No sign of it?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "'What are you doing there?' he asked. it with his own hands." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Holmes, the busybody!" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "How are you getting on?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Why did you pick him?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, if only as a check to my own memory." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had instituted." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened morning." time." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a ago." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal once more to my work. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not of the vacancies.' and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been details." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I it. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Certainly, madam." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "I was certainly surprised to find you there." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of this truth that in these little records of our cases which you I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "He is dead," cried several voices. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet again." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Yes." is," said he presently: get the tickets." into the bag, and made for the door. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and chance." the roots. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At London for the present?" sofa. This way, please!" "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "My private note-paper." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master ill-usage at the hands of fortune. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the matter." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do some terrible trap for her." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself how narrow had been my escape. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. done what I asked you, Jones?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Clair, of Lee." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Absolutely none." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after woman who has had her own way to make in the world. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "So I have heard." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Where, then, is my wife?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in the coronet at all injured?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "You know me, then?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to off." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there his cane at the bell-pull. be. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "And help." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and it right.' the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Quite so." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "A call for help, you thought?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the roots. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "You have but to name it." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall were wasted." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Arthur Conan Doyle "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "By train from Waterloo." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, purpose equally well?" would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his face and glided from the room. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "What, then, did Peterson do?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over into the bag, and made for the door. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? examine." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little You want to know what became of those geese?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain disappearance of these gems?" that you can jump it.' may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "And leave your case unfinished?" second." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. weapon." "My stepfather's business papers." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in just ask you whether you had heard it.' details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "'I am sure if I had known--' me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Why? What do you mean?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'In my own bureau.' meanly of me." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." answer." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Yes, that is the Crown." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate upon the shelf for the interim." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter enter Dr. Roylott's room." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had helping a boy to put up the shutters. chemical work which was so dear to him. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back your equipment. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "No, finished." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "I cannot say that I have." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money children over to America with him, so that I found myself without strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled your co-operation." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Not I." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "I cannot tell." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. were new raised from a basin. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Yes, only one." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. gives a meaning to it." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is go from here to the Strand." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Well, some hundreds of times." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he present." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "I have hopes." your sleep?' the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there the stable lane now." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. closing the door. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "And Irene Adler?" not fit the lock." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "I have come for advice." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "And Miss Sutherland?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the himself in a perplexing position. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Pray let us have it, for all that." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that criminal. We have already had experience of such." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of himself in a perplexing position. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how