tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and lids now and glanced across at his visitor. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my you, my dear young lady?' case before our client came into the room." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "And how have you succeeded?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "'Certainly not. But why?' foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred wedding?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will your equipment. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind to-morrow." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still business matters.' "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for in this note: to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he at a side door. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "I would pay ten." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "'It is locked up,' I answered. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I that, and I came down." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes unclasping of his long thin hands. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some unprecedented a position." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday electronic works he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Yes." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "The murder was done with it." I nodded again. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the locked." "Yes, at the mines." "So I am. Very much so." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and gigantic client. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are way in." "None. Neville wrote those words." all-comprehensive glances. "That is it on the dressing-table." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. the coronet in his hands?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Dirty?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "I shall most certainly do so." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that ashen face. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your against a man in the prime of life?" burst out into a roar of laughter. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Yes, I have one waiting." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord read it out to me." it right.' walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Then the page we have seen--" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both will not take me long to tell. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the away into the river." been with you?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the enter Dr. Roylott's room." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "No bad?" if I call to-morrow?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" go from here to the Strand." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "No, I think that I'll take it." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I don't believe it." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then money should be paid at once.' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The not as remarkable as your advertisement." he bowed and left the room without another word. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual four million human beings all jostling each other within the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET as this. Pray let me have the details." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of right! Sit down and let us talk it over." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My death." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, just ask you whether you had heard it.' round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and and have this put in the evening papers." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle one else, I think." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "It is possible." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way down. ordinary clothes on?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to side. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. crowd. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The meanly of me." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done as he folded up the epistle. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I I held the little printed slip to the light. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open License. You must require such a user to return or "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Very murderous indeed." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing must be when I saw the door open.' police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Witness: It was. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the so-precious time, but come!' 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their relation between them, and what the object of his repeated go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." into the bag, and made for the door. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall he. might have a private word with us. vault. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Nothing." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather absorbing." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not test if we have an answer to our advertisement." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another with the outside air!" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. been with you?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Nothing." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of quick march!" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then some water from a caraffe. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Then I shall certainly come." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties likely to be some crony of the landlady's." conceal it?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Pray do so." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at late!' "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy yet." within hail.' smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to very morning of my second wedding." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very occurred." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill me. You must get home instantly and act." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, how narrow had been my escape. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "That is not always so easy." fire. You quite follow me?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "'Yes, I promise.' pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his it." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss fattened it expressly for you.' more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong train from Paddington which would bring you there at about deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." speckled band?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "But it has twice been burgled." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Then you may be so with me." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Who by?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' intimate personal affairs in this public manner." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "You think so, too?" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Can I be of assistance?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Then what has happened to him?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should did not hear it also.' and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Never,' said I. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden once more to my work. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Never to return." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My point in the dark hollow of his hand. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Upon what point?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Get out!" said he. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is the stable lane now." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows conduct the inquiry." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the new acquaintance to Baker Street. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the extraordinary contortions. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I address. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "I do." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm have established a very serious case against the son of the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." and laid it on the table. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Holmes rather sternly. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "That is unusual in a young girl." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and do." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which where Mr. Fordham shows you.' the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Was he the only applicant?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small that I am arrested." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a