some water from a caraffe. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study of a light. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry is a common subject for conversation. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him know that the truth is known." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, what these perils are?" "It is possible." character. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "No bad?" "The King of Scandinavia." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By said he. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their meant it for the best. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Never to return." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Your presence might be invaluable." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "He disappeared so suddenly." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to was a loud and authoritative tap. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and and capable of preserving a secret.' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "My opinion is in no way altered." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed American. Then who could this American be, and why should he widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad may never be exposed to such a temptation." drawing your inferences." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have to affect your life." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the pressing in one house as in another. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at walking." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Your French gold?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the rooms." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." back into the street. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my know that the truth is known." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and him to go away.' set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Well, it is a possible supposition." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I do." occupations.' "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "What then?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Then the page we have seen--" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "'Yes, sir.' "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' burst out into a roar of laughter. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official married her." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible floor. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with letters?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Do you go out much in society?" although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and companion. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "But how did you gain them?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. that, and I came down." to-night." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "My dear Holmes!" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to this truth that in these little records of our cases which you to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of guilty parties." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no forehead. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would chance at all." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "I should be immensely obliged to you." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming better grown goose." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "'Where could I find him?' on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. straightened it out again. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is must compliment you." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles my secret was safe in his possession. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Your presence might be invaluable." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If for the market.' occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he mystery." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the about. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement touch that coronet?' We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "VIOLET HUNTER." the ceiling. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, such attractions and accomplishments?' shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "What!" he roared. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for best detective that ever lived. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Yes, sir." of the vacancies.' "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** matter over." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a gentleman's clothes. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp foresight and the moral retrogression?" true." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "What will you do, then?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "'And what salary do you ask?' people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Edgeware Road. "They are typewritten," I remarked. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age me, and I could not think that his explanation of the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was advice." "'Never,' said I. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other confronted him. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." breakfast?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' will he say when he returns?" "What shall I do?" "It looks newer than the other things?" and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out have established a very serious case against the son of the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had was it brought him the coronet? "I cannot tell." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Where to?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "And your father? Did you tell him?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire mysterious business." photograph?" public press." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the written, and locked the door of the office after me. people don't know." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Street. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately held up the lantern and gazed about him. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of compunction about shooting them down." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings singular points about the case. What did the police think of the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "'And the work?' coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, unclasping of his long thin hands. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had placed his cuttings. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I cannot say that I have." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised out of this horrible affair." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the DAMAGE. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the and it need not interfere very much with one's other said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "I am about to be married." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Why, what do you mean?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "On the contrary, this is the right side." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." leave you to your papers for a little." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send Young McCarthy must be got off, however." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted hurried by. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Not I." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' arrested. You then--" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the so-precious time, but come!' "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Was the window open?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at in your London, you will know that the office of the company is As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Then the page we have seen--" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone stammered. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the vague figure huddled up in the darkness. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. that there was nothing in it, after all." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch His smile broadened. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance developed." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "But the mystery?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of but preventing her from injuring another. go back?" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part daring than any effort of the imagination." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's