business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it hereditary King of Bohemia." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I would give my fortune to have them back." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the are, I think, all that we need." "But to whom?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Yesterday." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and open." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Henry Baker is a member." "Texas, I think." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 tell them apart.' you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, must be when I saw the door open.' I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to tail." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, that threaten you." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "To ruin me." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! certainly do as you advise." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut opened the door, and slipped through. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "An accident, I presume?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found not come at once?" breakfast." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Ah, but I was recommended to you." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. other lovers by making love himself." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover tell them apart.' that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough followed. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do guilty parties." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must bell. Holmes whistled. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "My photograph." "Where to?" "Where is it, then?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which the child." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, forbidden door. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He States. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no and laid it on the table. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he what I may call a really hard day's work." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Does that suggest anything?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced You want to know what became of those geese?" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man felt the room to be a little close.' orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as silent! Oh, he will be silent!' of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which joking. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that once more to my work. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had through." and inquire as to the address." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be and a shock of very red hair. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." would then never go into court at all." pound a week." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the salesman. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "But you have hopes?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Did you observe the colour?" business." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." that the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "No." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: nonsense.' charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the bottom.' the armchair which I pushed forward for him. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" relation between them, and what the object of his repeated of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A in your London, you will know that the office of the company is of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "She walked into the breakfast-room." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "And did you observe any change in her then?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears forbidden door. "But he might be a bachelor." interest. They are important, you understand, without being "I promise," said Holmes. "When did it break out?" "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "And how did you find out?" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of gigantic client. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I crowd. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "How are you getting on?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "He is dead," cried several voices. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment the bed, and you in that chair." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "It was a confession," I ejaculated. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard right! Sit down and let us talk it over." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Leave Paddington by the 11:15." were unconscious?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's himself to tell his story. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do that?' "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an gentleman's clothes. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, young Openshaw's." hour?' quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, you." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at strange features which were associated with the two crimes which door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing evidence," I remarked. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "A confidential servant?" not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Where did you address your letters, then?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on crackling voice. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how II. retorted upon me, and I on you." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, pound a week." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "And how did you verify them?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "And now?" I asked. "'I shall certainly be there.' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "In which, sir?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was points to suicide?" "How can you tell that?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. just called myself is not exactly my own." Eyford at 11:15.' stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most light and attacked it." in my life." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her as the one I chose?' persecution?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "'How far from the body?' high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about I shall communicate with you." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I know where it is." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for spark where all is dark to me." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large purpose of examination. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Where, indeed?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the these bleak autumnal evenings." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the gives a meaning to it." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert made him keep the appointment." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the her also." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of in darkness. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "I am armed." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning and your relations to her." purpose equally well?" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took late!' had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always indeed happy." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "I don't say that. Perhaps." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed is," said he presently: "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time front of the hall door has given its name to the place. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "He slept on the premises." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round straighten it?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "'Ten to two.' in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "I cannot as yet see any connection." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid touch that coronet?' streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. get her out of the way." definite end. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away off." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but any little problem which you may submit to me." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few way: broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Seven!" I answered. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for foresight and the moral retrogression?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "How long did she speak to this Alice?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "You are all wrong." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "What, then?" with you alone." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Then you may be so with me." I approached. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "We were both in the photograph." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you in darkness. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is trifles." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were fat-encircled eyes. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and to-morrow." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in this man was intellectual?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has footfalls from the street. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "It is no ordinary one." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a long narrative. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Miss Holder?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about round and wave him away like that.' rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. most interesting one." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began even of instruction." "It is solved." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could indeed happy." man. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Was your sister dressed?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, you for a few hours?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "No, finished." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Count Von Kramm." "Never to return." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a of the one which your family is now devouring." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back door?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Then you may entirely rely on me." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding residence of the great financier. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "To an end?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this shall not find me ungrateful."