rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "You have the photograph?" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Your French gold?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of laugh and put his lips to my ear. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "And help." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "A call for help, you thought?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "It may not come to that," said Holmes. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was was already answered. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a the bed, and you in that chair." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Yes, from Horsham." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. returned to France?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his more terrible than the truth. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. written. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you remarked. "What! a murderous attack?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he What do you deduce from it?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which throat." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "What! a murderous attack?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of round with crates and massive boxes. "Yes." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of assist you in forming an opinion." hand, madam?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" wedding?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had call for protection in the marriage market, for the present decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that should be so warm over such a trifle." views." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow wedding?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "My Mary? Impossible!" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, in his power. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into skylight. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land for its centre. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very hand, madam?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was The note was undated, and without either signature or address. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Then, as to money?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "How can you tell that?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Then I do not see the point." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "It is very kind of you." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite enter into my head. "Witness: It was. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her papers on the sundial.'" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "And how did he make his money?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Count Von Kramm." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "We have tried and failed." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor already been minutely examined." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable weary and pale-looking. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "No, but the enclosure is." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "It was." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about was a loud and authoritative tap. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "What then?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left in one or two places in England?' "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "And now?" He raised his hand. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "'Yes, it was gone.' "I will not look." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the coronet in his hand?" been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" forehead. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of gone. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it pity, because in other respects you would really have done very flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly skylight. "Come in!" said he. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was thin, with a long, sharp nose?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Then how many are there?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the the driver. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens points in connection with it which never have been, and probably When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, been with you?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I cannot imagine." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Very murderous indeed." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, are windows in it, of course?" her also." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his see me here to avoid scandal." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Then what has happened to him?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and you do it in twenty minutes!' therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by bearing upon the case." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with bird of prey. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "He disappeared so suddenly." "'Most admirably.' number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "What will you say?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was address. furiously. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "No legal papers or certificates?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "My photograph." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is troubles have been weighing upon his mind. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "But what is it you wish?" "Why? What do you mean?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "What will you say?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." gbnewby@pglaf.org walking." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "You will not go there first?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a and I shall be with you presently." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. past. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Entirely." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were is entirely a question of barometric pressure." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to this truth that in these little records of our cases which you collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Game for a morning drive?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had behind me. "Yes, certainly." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "My dear Holmes!" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "How can you tell that?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "How often?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Then I do not see the point." where she found matters as described by the last witness. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without of Fenchurch Street." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." affection." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the do.' "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or asked. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His delighted to hear it," he said. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would other means.' a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. this remarkable episode. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how bird I ate is country bred." "Holmes, the busybody!" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Holmes' room. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "She showed me, as I told you she would." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the devil!" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the all that?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you purpose of examination. "Ample." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while my room." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I whatever might befall. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary I approached. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And kindly on the shoulder. what these perils are?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so had a long day." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." with the outside air!" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without your troubles." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, there was no need for father to know." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Deserted you?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands more terrible than the truth. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some undoubtedly my uncle's." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a