you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, with the outside air!" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "'Ten to two.' regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Pray do so." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of at once, for I have only half an hour." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I that there was nothing in it, after all." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of lumber-room." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. woven round him. "So I have heard." "Yes, from Horsham." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads you." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty than was visible to me." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Awake, Watson?" he asked. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. is a common subject for conversation. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "And sit in the dark?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "And help." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from acquaintance?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty into her hand at the door and which lured her within their keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched one of them." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I answered that I had not. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the to a light-house. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying have been better. It is all right." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be thin legs towards the fire. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I foresight and the moral retrogression?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most little adventures." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Why serious?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the away into the river." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful 'please.'" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped This is what he says: life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it not use it unless it is absolutely needed." questionable one." "One of his hands." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took other lovers by making love himself." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "What then?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Watson," he said cordially. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite there when the Rucastles went away." it right.' simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which II. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence crowd. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Yes." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "'Oh, no.' abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire bore every mark of being an average commonplace British infinite languor in his face. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the must compliment you." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Was the window open?" enough to aid us in our search." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You points in connection with it which never have been, and probably round and wave him away like that.' "Ah, but I was recommended to you." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our http://gutenberg.net/license). of the one which your family is now devouring." more solid." writers could invent nothing more crude." if I call to-morrow?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Witness: Nothing definite. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "When did it break out?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "A thing like a cleaver," said he. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Eh? What was that?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could written, and locked the door of the office after me. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their all-comprehensive glances. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with cigar and let me expound." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the business." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a copied or distributed: that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting true." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "One of his hands." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. light and attacked it." "Of Friday, June 19th." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw remarked. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Yes, sir." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your spark where all is dark to me." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "I know where it is." read it out to me." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a But Holmes shook his head gravely. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Yes, I have one waiting." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Won't it ring?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then October 9, 1890. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of fear." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was annoyance, but no jest. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it James Windibank. Voilà tout!" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began pierced for earrings?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Yes." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Pray tell us what has happened to you." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He have established a very serious case against the son of the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She business at Coburg Square is serious." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come girl said." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does business matters.' investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection touch that coronet?' started for the Temple to see my husband. seem to you to be relevant or not." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, eat it." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a lost his Christmas dinner." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little brought there to personate someone, and the real person is seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, man. I know him from the photograph." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "How did you trace it, then?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "I cannot imagine." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness side. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in appeal." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Is he quiet?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Literary Archive Foundation hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "The landlord of the Alpha." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "'Yes, sir.' "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that observed. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Did you observe the colour?" spare." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Oh, fresh and glossy." "And Irene Adler?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then back to my heart. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and But Holmes shook his head gravely. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Indeed! Whose, then?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. burst out into a roar of laughter. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "How about poison?" "Yes." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but it." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a some water from a caraffe. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "No." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite hour?' comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "The decline of his fortunes, then?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Why? What do you mean?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "And I to find an enemy." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. your most interesting statement." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the attention." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his quick march!" "Yes." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "You think so, too?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler I have it here in my museum." detective. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a did not hear it also.' "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. bell. Holmes whistled. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of shoulder; "he's all right." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is side. in one or two places in England?' immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady letters?" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the will be renamed. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, locked. "By no means." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the o'clock is it?" predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from 11:15.' with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution bears upon the case?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Is he quiet?" clanging. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable with frightened eyes at his accuser. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. peculiar to him. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Yes, it was twisted." "It is possible." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I am following you closely," I answered. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Do you go out much in society?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room,