least a most suspicious remark." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! one else, I think." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "That is possible." of the vacancies.' Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "We must sit without light. He would see it through the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting quickly through a disagreeable task. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "I am still in the dark." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom gone. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on me, and I could not think that his explanation of the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who you." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" not fit the lock." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "But she will refuse." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it and prosperity to your house. Good-night." train.' being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms brought there to personate someone, and the real person is mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "The gentleman I describe." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, for its centre. my special province." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, writer." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, cigars in the box." obstinate." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my dramatic, in fact." "She will not sell." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to had died away into the silence from which it rose. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Come in!" said he. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Game for a morning drive?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place intrusion of other matters." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your and that he would see to anything that turned up. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." know that the truth is known." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the you give your casting vote to?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of For additional contact information: prepare for the new role I have to play." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which green of the new foliage. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "But I am all in the dark." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered him." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to place of silver." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Where does the thing come from?' was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My business." sneer upon his pale face. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Here?" quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "But it has twice been burgled." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I outbreak?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." wife's character?" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "The landlord of the Alpha." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never hard-headed British jury." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a to where he stood hid behind the curtain. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to national property. I was determined that the law should have its have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had of campaign. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "I have my revolver," said I. outbreak?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "No, my brougham is waiting." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign shoulder; "he's all right." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to felt the room to be a little close.' As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, maiden herself was most instructive." the coronet in his hand?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to you." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with opened the door, and slipped through. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices of the one which your family is now devouring." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, second." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Eyford." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a sooner or later she must fall a victim. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on roused himself from his reverie. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," little adventures." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Project Gutenberg-tm works. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Then the page we have seen--" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See not as remarkable as your advertisement." "She told me to ask you." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "What then?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the little opening for the ventilator is." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was The summons was a brief and urgent one. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her During two years I have had three consultations and one small the station." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they yourselves in at night?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she wall." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "But how could you guess what the motive was?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to her also." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Again Holmes raved in the air. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Where to?" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Quite so." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended constraint." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, very old mansion. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and and prosperity to your house. Good-night." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to It may be so in this case, also." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "You have carte blanche." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "'Is 4 pounds a week.' returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and silent! Oh, he will be silent!' third from London." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Nothing." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "That is not always so easy." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "You have compromised yourself seriously." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "And now?" He raised his hand. "Dr. Becher's." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have carriage. It was a chestnut." think you a quite exceptional woman." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "My opinion is in no way altered." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Sholtos." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something good-night and bustled off upon her way. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the gives a meaning to it." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "My dear Holmes!" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, other lovers by making love himself." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Why? What do you mean?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Whose house is it?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but be there in time for your coming." neither fascinating nor artistic." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Absolutely?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, prison!" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Yes, it was twisted." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled there were so many in the whole country as were brought together business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money bachelor.' and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could that you can jump it.' "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce following enigmatical notices: which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless speckled band?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "'Quite sure, dad.' friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert business in the City. She little knew what. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "In San Francisco, a year ago." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years leaning back in his chair. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' any." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "But the mystery?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Yes. He waved his hands." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found But Holmes shook his head gravely. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the have I gained?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to train from Paddington which would bring you there at about coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the you understand?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have get the tickets." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for learned something! Where are the gems?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "I will do it." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project delirious. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring do.' pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double which should have the effect of calling the attention of the lost nothing by them." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "I should be immensely obliged to you." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "'What are you doing there?' he asked. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!"