brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "So I am. Very much so." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the front of me. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that really the only notable feature about the thing." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "I am about to be married." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the very morning of the wedding." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "My last client of the sort was a king." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'Never,' said I. "But what will you do?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an populous neighbourhood." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly that you saw all that I did." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" people in all walks of life. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a the coronet at all injured?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. followed. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "None. Neville wrote those words." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one lost his Christmas dinner." conduct the inquiry." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to front of me. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of quick march!" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not spare." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place of the vacancies.' In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Where, indeed?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Then, how do you know?" "10th. John Swain cleared. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "What?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over whole matter to your consideration." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "But how will you look?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which because she had spent so short a time in this country that she prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "I have seen the police." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "By no means." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which frequently gained my first real insight into the character of along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has here and I will read it to you: miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had it. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my morning." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never business at Coburg Square is serious." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, occupations.' springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the be there in time for your coming." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Pray continue your narrative." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly 1.F. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough not as remarkable as your advertisement." "'Most admirably.' grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned sufficient punishment." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' case before our client came into the room." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and States. "Yes." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's he bowed and left the room without another word. the matter?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have for securing the situation." charge against him will break down." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "But we can't all be." second." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then and have this put in the evening papers." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "It is true that I have been generally successful." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how a good hundred miles off by now." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a went to the Alpha were town bred." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I skylight. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." which are rolled in Rotterdam." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. approach us with offers to donate. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was main points of my analysis." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me she slowly sank and died without having recovered her with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He to go into your room and bar your shutters?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Then I shall certainly come." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring noting anything else of interest. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Did you observe the colour?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before time." back alive. young Openshaw's." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "What I expected to see." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning papers." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "And why?" the date of his supposed suicide." place no limit on the sum I may draw." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "And when will you call?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce the bottom.' said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his galvanised. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce is acting for the best. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "How about poison?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "That is not always so easy." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was note?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you ran thus: the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I easy-going way." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute as yours." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and his wife has ceased to love him." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be is acting for the best. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I the inner apartment." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is weapon." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to sake, don't!" "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave had formerly been in part my own. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Well, some hundreds of times." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "You know me, then?" stammered. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, call for it in person on Monday morning.' "I have my revolver," said I. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." in the port of London." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "In the cells." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "But I have heard all that you have heard." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Which are?" "One of his hands." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in lumber-room." "Tired-looking or fresh?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would that he will be back before evening." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off this poor creature." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Holmes' room. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "When did it break out?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very is worth.' against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular were wasted." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "No, I think that I'll take it." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Then you may be so with me." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "My dear Holmes!" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were could gather together that I was able to avert another public PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich invisible to me," I remarked. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Deserted you?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke overpowering excitement and concern. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "But what is it you wish?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'I have heard so.' individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Yes." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most and capable of preserving a secret.' across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' ourselves in the office." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and assist you in forming an opinion." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than You want to know what became of those geese?" I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient least a most suspicious remark." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the get her out of the way." problems help me to do so." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Have you good authority for what you say?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" lumber-room." disappearance of these gems?" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "I cannot think." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Why did you beat the pavement?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "An accident, I presume?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." derbies." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were may never be exposed to such a temptation." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project