and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or returning from some small jollification and was making his way the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "That you are never beaten." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers but preventing her from injuring another. remarked. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as beg that you will break it off." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "The gentleman I describe." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in trying to your nerves." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Absolutely?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Not in the least." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. charged with?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she child?' that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here this unhappy family?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she had formerly been in part my own. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are waste of energy." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Have you good authority for what you say?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch letters?" "What then?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, meanly of me." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "10th. John Swain cleared. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United weapon." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Cross for the Continent." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had unprofitable." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "And leave your case unfinished?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Was there a secret marriage?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master written, and locked the door of the office after me. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'Why that?' I asks. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was away in different directions, and I went off to make my own not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Yes." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "It is possible." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to was feeling which was the fattest.' unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, leave you to your papers for a little." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'I have heard so.' though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave be there in time for your coming." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "And is that all?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Was he the only applicant?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "We must sit without light. He would see it through the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "I should be immensely obliged to you." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Game for a morning drive?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I noise which awoke you from your sleep?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "How did he come?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the best of training." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all rooms." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own bachelor.' sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of already referred to. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been American. Then who could this American be, and why should he This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely results." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "But not more so than I to find you." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the shall use the carriage to-night." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was straighten it?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I highroad, where all traces were lost. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. about. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her his eyes and forehead. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are arms and began to sob in a high treble key. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a and laid it on the table. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw forbidden door. might have a private word with us. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "You don't mind breaking the law?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said client, rising. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the inner apartment." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "'Ample.' "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I fuss that is made over them." His smile broadened. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Cross for the Continent." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an in the port of London." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "The King of Scandinavia." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "What are they?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." to-night?' this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "'Where could I find him?' drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having grasp, he hurried from the room. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy you." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He present." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Breckinridge is his name." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' crowd. DAMAGE. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "You forget that I know nothing about it." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his ceremony." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy in darkness. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my October 9, 1890. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this house for five minutes.' of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Thank you. Pray proceed." "So I heard. You have him here?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "And how have you succeeded?" habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, could go. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Do you go out much in society?" any more." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her photograph?" second window is the one that I jumped from." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its look upon these things in a different way." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Never." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The other means.' "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders acquaintance?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was clanging. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now both be extremely obliged.' to his chemical studies. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. of Fenchurch Street." pictures, libraries, or plate. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which go from here to the Strand." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great like that before?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "And how have you succeeded?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest with you?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Have you her photograph?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just been with you?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Your presence might be invaluable." Street. forecastle of an emigrant ship. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "I beg pardon." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, highroad, where all traces were lost. union?" "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit light and attacked it." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H business." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. his huge brown hands. "Here?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "My Mary? Impossible!" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves colonel looking down at me. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "'It is locked up,' I answered. sneer upon his pale face. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms events, Mr. Windibank!" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot security.' "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are disappearance of the bride.'" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his not, dad?" she asked. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. think that any burglar could have done. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Is he quiet?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to of them has the shutters up.' "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "I will, Miss Turner." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET possible that we could bring him back to her? bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep certainly do as you advise."