often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Entirely." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "He slept on the premises." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was just called myself is not exactly my own." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to that I am arrested." following enigmatical notices: good-night and bustled off upon her way. writers could invent nothing more crude." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there asked. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this opportunities to fix the problem. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Stolen, then." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before upon the white wrist. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" good-night and bustled off upon her way. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Is he quiet?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. could go. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "What will you do, then?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be side. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He have had none more fantastic than this." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Farm upon the left." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "And how did you verify them?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Where, indeed?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "What are they?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Yes, it would be as well." "She walked into the breakfast-room." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn his face. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'Yes, I promise.' have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, written. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said eavesdroppers?' himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which introspective fashion. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were me upon any point which I do not make clear." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Why serious?" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. of receipt of the work. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is through." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "'Ten to two.' William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us salesman. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall some city in a dream. these bleak autumnal evenings." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." detective. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being breakfast." him." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It I shall continue with my miserable story. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "But his lameness?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "'Then let me do so?' perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your we went to search for him, face downward in a little that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself all-comprehensive glances. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Count Von Kramm." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the o'clock is it?" cigars in their mouths. the best of training." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Will you go?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Always." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' confronted him. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his seven miles from Eyford Station.' Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Do you go out much in society?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so certainly not very gracious." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" is," said he presently: he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a becomes even more simple." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Holmes, the busybody!" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I will not look." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Dirty?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four tell him that I know him to be innocent." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "No." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and persecution?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time forebodings. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility crackling voice. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. leaning back in his chair. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "On the contrary, this is the right side." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion upon the white wrist. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On jewels which you have stolen?' perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you any." when your master had gone out." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed important." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." was a perfect sample of the class. touch that coronet?' shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of simple cases which are so extremely difficult." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong said he at last. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have http://www.gutenberg.net "When did she vanish, then?" "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "When did she vanish, then?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. promised to bring home. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his murdered man." "Seven!" I answered. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Here?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better signal between you and your father? chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over one of them." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "I will, Miss Turner." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a this unhappy family?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to indeed happy." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a delighted to hear it," he said. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The room. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "And help." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was certainly not very gracious." States. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we points to suicide?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So envelope. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We south, for the country is more deserted there." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "No, I had a dozen." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler sparkled upon his finger. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune his grey eyes. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "The Cedars?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop I was concerned in it." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the lumber-room." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of 1.F. quite distinctive." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "'What would be the hours?' I asked. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. pictures, libraries, or plate. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" said I. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I have solved it." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Then I am your man." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Yes, he did." she used." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I when your master had gone out." "Yes, only one." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Sutherland. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. mysterious end." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission in this note: agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "He might." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Why did you pick him?" "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I cannot imagine." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "I was afraid that you were engaged." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." electronic works "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far works. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the matter?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "The gentleman I describe." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on seven miles from Eyford Station.' years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a burst out into a roar of laughter. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon their singular warning or token before them when starting upon are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be and your relations to her." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very whether it answered to the description of any of their husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "The Coroner: What do you mean? may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which