has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the your co-operation." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, some terrible trap for her." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A off." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I lids now and glanced across at his visitor. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the within hail.' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Nothing?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling call the police, let the police find what they can.' "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are what these perils are?" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a yards of it?' shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most views." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he not use it unless it is absolutely needed." indiscretion." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "There is the writing." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my ways of our fellow-men." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "I think that it is very probable." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious is entirely a question of barometric pressure." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both pictures, libraries, or plate. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up she slowly sank and died without having recovered her watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be south, for the country is more deserted there." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was said he. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and sooner or later she must fall a victim. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "'What are you doing there?' he asked. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Then I can wait in the next room." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "He is still with you, I presume?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to less than 26s. 4d. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do good-night and bustled off upon her way. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies is acting for the best. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Can I be of assistance?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Pope's Court. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a with you?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "'Not at all. I only doubt--' put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Dr. Becher's." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A name is different." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He of." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our written. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of showing my impatience. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by charge against him will break down." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Precisely." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "What, then, did Peterson do?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "I never have." outside. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was and a shock of very red hair. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the The events in question occurred in the early days of my in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. about here speaks of his kindness to him." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. was used.' formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "I assure you that I am in your hands." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Do you go out much in society?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that existence." him nearly every evening." for securing the situation." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "9th. McCauley cleared. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. works. See paragraph 1.E below. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from call you and give you the chance." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." This is what he says: "How on earth--" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under to surprise her." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood you?' wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong returning from some small jollification and was making his way on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my anything to do with the matter?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The I nodded to show that I had heard. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a in one or two places in England?' lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Married! When?" "Entirely." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "What will you do, then?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Very truly yours, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that that he will be back before evening." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, populous neighbourhood." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "The landlord of the Alpha." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the might help us?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" call you and give you the chance." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your the general public were present, then?" "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend were unconscious?" hour?' young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "'Never.' have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. against a man in the prime of life?" is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction that before taking the final step I should like to submit the now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very as this. Pray let me have the details." "Perfectly so." him nearly every evening." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I at my remark. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the night.' that I am arrested." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "You don't mind breaking the law?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Yes." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I was afraid that you were engaged." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence observed. chance." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Gutenberg-tm License. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "He said that you could solve anything." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Which are?" "'Yes, sir.' "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "'There is a drive, then?' Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "I have hopes." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, derbies." father's place of business?" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune business?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me new acquaintance to Baker Street. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Mrs. Toller serenely. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Was the window open?" it." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "About a month then." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "What then?" in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "But to whom?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had strength in the others." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught soul! here is her carriage at the door." the child." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the License. You must require such a user to return or "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Ample." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' to change my dress. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "What can it mean?" I gasped. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just figure." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the John Swain, of St. Augustine. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten this Miss Turner." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' mystery may be cleared along those lines." I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" him to be an active member of the medical profession." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there ordinary clothes on?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Nothing." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "A client, then?" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." companion quietly. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady suddenly upon us." tell me that you intended to go into harness." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Eyford." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Arthur Conan Doyle any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' and inquire as to the address." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and hard-headed British jury." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "I have seen the police." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is strong and stiff." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my have got?" crowd. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "One?" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in this remarkable episode. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "What is it?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that that fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in joking. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his British peeress.'" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Is he quiet?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge despair." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "But how?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone intimate personal affairs in this public manner." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "What is it, then--a fire?" himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. and inquire as to the address." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Yes." from the brougham. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. them?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Your sister is dead, then?" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe