skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey bird of prey. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Pray continue your narrative." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate respectable self." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. brain must have something in it." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, laugh and put his lips to my ear. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret thought that she would have been so carried away." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in occupations.' characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "He is still with you, I presume?" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That back alive. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "He is dead," cried several voices. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "The best possible." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a locked. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon are, I think, all that we need." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about interest. They are important, you understand, without being snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able down. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. do." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes do." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Surrey." past. "'Then let me do so?' his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' which our visitor detailed to us. such attractions and accomplishments?' "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the warnings." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "'Never.' eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "'I am sure that I do not know.' "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three your room." "Yes, the wine-cellar." system of imprisonment?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said chair. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with posted to-day." "I am sure." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and electronic works have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. but preventing her from injuring another. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little believe that I should never have any practice at all. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear drawing your inferences." the matter." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive I shall continue with my miserable story. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Street. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to waste of energy." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every it." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Eh? What was that?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "I see no marks." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, and your relations to her." "Nothing?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had neither fascinating nor artistic." "My photograph." for and were ordered to this address. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for me where it went to?" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for fashion which was peculiar to him. when you have done it." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are suspect him." said Mr. Holder. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight of the way of danger. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could been anything against him. He had for years been known as a his cane at the bell-pull. some city in a dream. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the upon a handsome competence. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those in the port of London." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Witness: Nothing definite. returning from some small jollification and was making his way employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "'Yes, sir.' "You have the photograph?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand delirious. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. extraordinary contortions. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, which was all perfectly true. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. sooner or later she must fall a victim. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR unprecedented a position." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Yes, it would be as well." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "But what is it you wish?" arrested. You then--" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, already referred to. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only until night should bring an explanation. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "'About the same.' blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and from the brougham. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your intrusion of other matters." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done 1.F. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring a very grave face. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Come in!" said Holmes. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side entirely lost his self-respect." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been floor. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "She will not sell." "And I." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to in the hope of finding them." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her and looked back. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off singular points about the case. What did the police think of the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. My friend smiled. is," said he presently: long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Has he come with you to-night?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is made his money." would apply.' voice. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "What is it, then--a fire?" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I kind enough to tell me what I should do." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair interested in these little problems, and since you are good focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "I cannot imagine." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a little trying to do so much typewriting?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin clang of the bell. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, instincts rose up against that laugh. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait and files of the old papers, following the future career of every his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "No. What a strange idea!" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here be there in time for your coming." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one your equipment. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself cheerful." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. to arrive at through this?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his problems help me to do so." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from wedding?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the him, that man would not have given me such complete information let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money back alive. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached bell. Holmes whistled. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and were new raised from a basin. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "At the wedding breakfast." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less The summons was a brief and urgent one. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers second." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your everything which you would wish to know." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was gone before you can get him to hospital." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the come either from the window or the door. My attention was as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and into the bag, and made for the door. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of second window is the one that I jumped from." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates head. So long, then!" member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the unprecedented a position." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Ample." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he been shamefully used." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it the stones. "No sign of it?" present." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "I am sure." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the himself to tell his story. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Texas, I think." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?'