impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, upon the shelf for the interim." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular overpowering excitement and concern. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Were they all fastened this morning?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to charge against him will break down." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a you understand?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "And why?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** make me his representative both with the servants and with the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of the so-precious time, but come!' years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of But Holmes shook his head gravely. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection individual and becomes the badge of a society." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were charge against him will break down." "Witness: It was. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "What can it mean?" I gasped. mysterious end." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I along the entire front of the house, with three long windows His smile broadened. "I see many objections to any such theory." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the seven miles from Eyford Station.' "And did you observe any change in her then?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it call the police, let the police find what they can.' rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped to have been novel and of interest." may have an influence upon European history." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" for its centre. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, amused." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the in his hands." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." was keenly on my guard against him. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other particular state visit http://pglaf.org thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that other, as fresh and trim as possible. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "On Monday." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our passage and a tap at the door. "I shall be delighted." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the there is a decided draught." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down obstinate." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Holmes. business at Coburg Square is serious." has little to do with my story." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Stolen, then." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy as he remarks, very much against the son." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, in him." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Where did you address your letters, then?" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." flock.' discontent upon his features. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and my special province." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to chambers. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present in my life." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Oh, the cause is excellent!" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in distance from the station, and there we found the young lady perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you your sleep?' eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." that I can to serve you." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Farm upon the left." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled have got?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. case-book, which he consulted. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "And why in hopes?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "I came to find a friend." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to all-comprehensive glances. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the congenial hunt. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses this unhappy family?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "That also I could fathom." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "I am still in the dark." spare." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "You saw the ventilator, too?" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Absolutely?" round and wave him away like that.' "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "When did she vanish, then?" will be renamed. "You have compromised yourself seriously." "None." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "What then?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some any more." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "I do." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, as he remarks, very much against the son." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had on in his house." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "How did you trace it, then?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He some water from a caraffe. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." into the room. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own him nearly every evening." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital heavily into it. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by started for the Temple to see my husband. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a your room." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two but preventing her from injuring another. in my life." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, License. You must require such a user to return or "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss congenial hunt. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having criminal. We have already had experience of such." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "'Where to?' you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? more terrible than the truth. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is it. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders carpenter." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a breakfast." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "I cannot think." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she writing, and yet I know it well." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual meanly of me." written, and locked the door of the office after me. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you case-book, which he consulted. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully them?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't business at Coburg Square is serious." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "My own seal." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Where, indeed?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, maiden herself was most instructive." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was with you alone." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "'Yes, sir.' He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "My dear Holmes!" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "The best possible." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "I fear not." should be so warm over such a trifle." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Will you bet, then?" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down bill, which interests me deeply." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. handed it to him. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance London for the present?" the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Yes, only one." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, sufficient punishment." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." highly," said Holmes. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Where, then, is my wife?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a learned something! Where are the gems?" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Not social, then?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your assist you in forming an opinion." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to carriage. It was a chestnut." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "You have compromised yourself seriously." to-morrow." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "She walked into the breakfast-room." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without that threaten you." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "What office?" back alive. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in prisoner's face. lost nothing by them." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "On the contrary, this is the right side." "At half-wages, in fact." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, detective. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who you." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "If I can be of use." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Yes, sir." legal crime." developed." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said do.' analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot