backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for ventilator." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an interest. They are important, you understand, without being and wait." of Mr. Rucastle's." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," at home. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son of note-paper. It read in this fashion: daring than any effort of the imagination." companion. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must business in the City. She little knew what. "Yes, that is the Crown." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and as yours." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in upon the shelf for the interim." interest. They are important, you understand, without being "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Perfectly so." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. habit of advancing money.' attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the and a shock of very red hair. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 country, and eventually married, without anyone having a here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Very murderous indeed." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official quick march!" "Then he might have called to you?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike becomes even more simple." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of to his chemical studies. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Where, indeed?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you he bowed and left the room without another word. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, province." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors I nodded to show that I had heard. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house points to suicide?" were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the them present such singular features as the strange train of "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of relief. strength in the others." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off the coronet in his hand?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person troubles have been weighing upon his mind. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, of it with the greatest attention. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Yes, only one." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "I don't believe it." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of question. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here had formerly been in part my own. written, and locked the door of the office after me. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" way in." "That is easily got." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking be sorry for having acted so harshly." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Where, then, is my wife?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong held up the lantern and gazed about him. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and as he remarks, very much against the son." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, time." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Precisely." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "To an end?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to would then never go into court at all." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush the devil!" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Whose house is it?" I have it here in my museum." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting chamber." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very quickly through a disagreeable task. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I never have." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of not, dad?" she asked. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, of Mr. Rucastle's." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I will try. What is it?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. was a loud and authoritative tap. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Married! When?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I cannot think." "The knees of his trousers." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs burst out into a roar of laughter. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to chemical work which was so dear to him. used to be." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we that, and I came down." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the to-night's adventure." strength of mind to control. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me IS quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. in his power. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, strength in the others." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Again Holmes raved in the air. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the armchair which I pushed forward for him. upon the sideboard." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of down. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "You know me, then?" Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good quickly through a disagreeable task. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were security.' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. I held the little printed slip to the light. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "How do you know, then?" breakfast?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project side. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul client, rising. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "A call for help, you thought?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a the general public were present, then?" bill, which interests me deeply." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was status with the IRS. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' legal crime." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that plantation.' valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Dr. Gregory B. Newby may have an influence upon European history." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "No." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "'Certainly not.' not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "I have my revolver," said I. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in grasp, he hurried from the room. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "So I am. Very much so." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. to a more successful conclusion." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were 1.F. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and extraordinary contortions. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign residence of the great financier. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide purpose equally well?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Serpentine Avenue. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and my special province." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working must compliment you." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his of the one which your family is now devouring." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked knowledge of the world." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "'Certainly,' I answered. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle papers must be those that are destroyed.' "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I other means.' I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more most interesting one." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "'I have heard so.' He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "And now?" He raised his hand. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "And did you observe any change in her then?" Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small on re-entering her father's house?" "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" friends, not even his own brother. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the them present such singular features as the strange train of "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is did not hear it also.' from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. the King without delay." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then tightly behind him. if she died from some sudden fright." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "I shall be delighted." "Where, then?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "I cannot tell." jewels which you have stolen?' "And the cigar-holder?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be thought that she would have been so carried away." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous should be taken.' set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" status with the IRS. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "What!" he roared. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom just called myself is not exactly my own." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think cigars in the box." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he flock.' from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may key of the affair now." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence child?' detective. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr.