do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had to arrive at through this?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers useful material for showing traces. The double line a little his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all any little problem which you may submit to me." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by go--none." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Was your sister dressed?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was side. and the church but not where the lady lived." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did indeed happy." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that how narrow had been my escape. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, upon the sideboard." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the ceiling. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "'Then let me do so?' specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a of the vacancies.' common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I even so self-evident a thing as that." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet been deceived." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Then I am your man." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his money should be paid at once.' to surprise her." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, words came to my lips. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a I was concerned in it." redistribution. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "But you can know nothing of this?" carriage. It was a chestnut." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Why did you pick him?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "That was it, sir." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was child?' "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm things are very often connected not with the larger but with the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, enter Dr. Roylott's room." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in fact, we may call it conclusive." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Were they all fastened this morning?" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost too. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Certainly." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an I was concerned in it." "Then you may be so with me." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project was the fact that his father should, according to his account, back alive. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. morning." what do you think they found in the pockets?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the What do you deduce from it?" the coronet in his hands?" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. lamp in his hand. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by do you make of it all?" you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Yes." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, leaning back in his chair. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'You doubt its value?' he asked. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the hour." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he make me his representative both with the servants and with the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "How often?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "To an end?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to comes from the middle window." in his power. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." flock.' covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "And you thought he was pulled back?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Never." cost them two and thirty pounds." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." fuss that is made over them." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Come in!" said Holmes. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Really! You surprise me." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Always." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I will do it." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "One of the highest in England." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Your sister is dead, then?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a lips." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Could he throw no light?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny to arrive at through this?" British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that husband's writing, madam." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a and looked back. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely is entirely a question of barometric pressure." bedroom door." acted in my house last night?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I bill, which interests me deeply." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich wedding?" "No. What a strange idea!" swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Murdered?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas soul! here is her carriage at the door." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I call for protection in the marriage market, for the present along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her go back?" lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "And when will you call?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the bottom.' sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. highroad, where all traces were lost. off." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "But it has twice been burgled." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Have you good authority for what you say?" "Won't it ring?" "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he been anything against him. He had for years been known as a threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the assist you in forming an opinion." records." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small test if we have an answer to our advertisement." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "And is that all?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. fatally injured? without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of case before our client came into the room." "It is solved." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were shall not find me ungrateful." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up persecution?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure door?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the date of his supposed suicide." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Precisely so. But how--" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous with you alone." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the best of training." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that of fine shops and stately business premises that they really I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "'Never,' said I. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. father's young wife. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Always." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As is four-and-twenty." grasp, he hurried from the room. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I will, Miss Turner." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "I fear not." posted to-day." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Certainly." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "BALLARAT." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had this as likely?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I don't believe it." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "The Coroner: What do you mean? Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET nights." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "But how will you look?" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I you understand?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself was a loud and authoritative tap. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Come in!" said he. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and better grown goose." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little where Mr. Fordham shows you.' ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something redistribution. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "What have you done?" asked Holmes. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. wanted for ourselves." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in to where he stood hid behind the curtain. fact, we may call it conclusive." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime without a word or a look. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but ourselves in the office." "But of what society?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms off." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low meant." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "'Where could I find him?' "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "The Cedars?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had business matters.' dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "And why?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been use an arc-and-compass breastpin." strength of mind to control. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the visitors." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "You horrify me!" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "None." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner