at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can approach us with offers to donate. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Surrey." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for felt the room to be a little close.' To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. some city in a dream. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? I nodded again. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to narrative." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and here and I will read it to you: "What! You do not mean bodies?" "And I say east," said my patient. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the not, dad?" she asked. think that he is innocent?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest sit on the left-hand side of the driver." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the some water from a caraffe. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "I have my revolver," said I. there!' turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the will he say when he returns?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. yourselves in at night?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and strode off upon his way. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his careless servant girl?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "One of his hands." definite end. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this lips." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty existence." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so and effective." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "What office?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he make me his representative both with the servants and with the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'Entirely.' morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "'Stolen!' he cried. are windows in it, of course?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all death." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "And how did he make his money?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a their singular warning or token before them when starting upon and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which then?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey could not account in any way for the presence of the missing uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with shall not find me ungrateful." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." used to be." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. the coroner come to?" swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are tightly behind him. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built business came to an end." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. your only hope of safety." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "You have a clue?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a down in his armchair and closing his eyes. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "What do you mean?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon tapping his fingers upon the table. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had meant." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind nonsense.' "You are certainly joking, Holmes." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up neither fascinating nor artistic." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should whether it answered to the description of any of their his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. generous with you in money matters.' from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "'Why that?' I asks. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "I cannot imagine." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of served to weaken the effect. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As important." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this during the last few years, and there are many noble families to there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the in the port of London." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." once more. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting spare." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to skylight. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Dark enough and sinister enough." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Sutherland?" "Yes, only one." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "None." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the take the flies, but not before." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "My last client of the sort was a king." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me is worth.' "Yes, sir." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, photograph?" sofa. This way, please!" Arthur Conan Doyle my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the and a shock of very red hair. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "That is possible." "In the cells." have got?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as if she died from some sudden fright." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "No good news?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and 11:15.' my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Yes, certainly." forbidden door. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post other, as fresh and trim as possible. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said ways of our fellow-men." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover leave you to your papers for a little." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will public press." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had indiscretion." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door arrested. You then--" "To the police?" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "In what way?" asked Holmes. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." was shining brightly. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "In the cells." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this again before evening." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day conceal it?" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's chance." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Really! You surprise me." cost them two and thirty pounds." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came skylight. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I entirely lost his self-respect." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "And Irene Adler?" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such money should be paid at once.' father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "So I am. Very much so." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Will you go?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William it were putty." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him frequently gained my first real insight into the character of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a burst out into a roar of laughter. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Breckinridge is his name." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. key of the affair now." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "You have carte blanche." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he which are rolled in Rotterdam." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Never." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must cigar and let me expound." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. strode off upon his way. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "But how?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these desk. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and records." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any Young McCarthy must be got off, however." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my passage and a tap at the door. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "What! a murderous attack?" you?' you in yours." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather fire. You quite follow me?" while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's go--none." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you