thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate you." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Well?" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom four million human beings all jostling each other within the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "You have the photograph?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no one of the states of the Union." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Well." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "An enemy?" "But the mystery?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I cigars in the box." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, your bag." posted to-day." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "What! You do not mean bodies?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. himself. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took she has been waylaid. There has been no result." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Doctor, of the paper and the date." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On call for protection in the marriage market, for the present and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us copied or distributed: "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had just ask you whether you had heard it.' in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Entirely." you for a few hours?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "You have a clue?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up most interesting one." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Certainly." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. congenial hunt. said I. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the so-precious time, but come!' change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Get out!" said he. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an girl said." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Yes." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Always." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply south, for the country is more deserted there." "No more words. Get out!" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, do." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Why serious?" "Of Friday, June 19th." careless servant girl?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Precisely so. But how--" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and crime." fattened it expressly for you.' harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "What! You do not mean bodies?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "No." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction some terrible trap for her." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the ventilator." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will you?" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "And your mother is alive?" "Yes, sir." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so appeal." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "One horse?" interjected Holmes. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "What then?" naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Nothing." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to weighed down with some great anxiety. could not have written that. It is the German who is so them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Did you become engaged then?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been hardly wander." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "And who is her maid?" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an crackling voice. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should should be so warm over such a trifle." "An accident, I presume?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. even so self-evident a thing as that." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of spark where all is dark to me." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On these bleak autumnal evenings." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when outside. "A call for help, you thought?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could subject to the trademark license, especially commercial bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Quite so. She has her freedom." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons burst out into a roar of laughter. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "No." already been minutely examined." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found evidence," I remarked. purpose of examination. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her posted to-day." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her of receipt of the work. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and events than those which have happened in my own family." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'Certainly,' I answered. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "How did he come?" "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she an introduction to him?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to think that any burglar could have done. clang of the bell. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Then how many are there?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought sparkled upon his finger. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room correct than the official force." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "It is no ordinary one." in the port of London." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there morning." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon giving me time to thank him. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the room while you explain this matter?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "But the mystery?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own DAMAGE. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have question you as to those details which seem to me to be most I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "No, I had a dozen." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence just called myself is not exactly my own." gone. bedroom door." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. round and wave him away like that.' years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Yes, it would be as well." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it had died away into the silence from which it rose. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has be. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs cause to be." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "'Ample.' And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "We have tried and failed." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see hands. intrusion of other matters." garden below. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "'And what salary do you ask?' us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank into her hand at the door and which lured her within their This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "One of the highest in England." about here speaks of his kindness to him." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "You know me, then?" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "You horrify me!" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Yes. He waved his hands." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the window, rose as we entered. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Oh, the cause is excellent!" which was all perfectly true. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "'Yes, I promise.' out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "I see many objections to any such theory." "Nothing?" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "The knees of his trousers." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "'Certainly not. But why?' Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him that there was nothing in it, after all." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of His name is Francis Prosper." narrative." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to problems help me to do so." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one fluttered off among the others. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We other means.' "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the coat-tails." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think My friend smiled. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Precisely so. But how--" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped