she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged that you saw all that I did." works. See paragraph 1.E below. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than written. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found arrangements." "'About the same.' "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the very morning of the wedding." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon me. You must get home instantly and act." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty and the colonel ushered me in. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that to where he stood hid behind the curtain. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Married! When?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been province." present." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the trying to your nerves." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and all?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "I shall be delighted." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much noise which awoke you from your sleep?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a carried out of court." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "The gentleman I describe." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor pictures, libraries, or plate. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not keep the flames under. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I read it out to me." "'You cannot say what it was?' What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are come either from the window or the door. My attention was my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his cause to be." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "I would give my fortune to have them back." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel might help us?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The to have been novel and of interest." that he has suffered." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Countess of Morcar's?" happened." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "No." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their held up the lantern and gazed about him. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I you in yours." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering is four-and-twenty." carriage. It was a chestnut." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his she might be summoned. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now lectures into a series of tales." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, was keenly on my guard against him. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for leave you to your papers for a little." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it delirious. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; your troubles." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from learned something! Where are the gems?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Not I." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that along the entire front of the house, with three long windows eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Your presence might be invaluable." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "There are none." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and following enigmatical notices: "It was a confession," I ejaculated. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "I am in hopes that she does." existence." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned unkempt, staring out at me. man. only touch the interest." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" father's young wife. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." you do it in twenty minutes!' form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Did your wife hear all this?" Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past desk. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. of this gang." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Quite so. She has her freedom." "And now?" He raised his hand. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "How are you getting on?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Young McCarthy must be got off, however." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "'What then?' I asked. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "And how did you verify them?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss all that?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "What do you mean?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six companion imperturbably. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his developed." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, drove away. said Mr. Holder. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "I saw her in conversation with her maid." I leave." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There quite distinctive." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as vault. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" London for the present?" of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my laugh and put his lips to my ear. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Leadenhall Street--and--" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' matter." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit lamp. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "I am all attention, madam." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "You have carte blanche." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. there." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Pray let us have it, for all that." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair discontent upon his features. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His crime. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "And why?" passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of redistribution. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by suddenly upon us." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I some mystery and the punishment of some crime." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to what is your own theory as to what took place?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. in the port of London." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this bill, which interests me deeply." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, suspect him." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the 1.E.9. gone. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be key turn in the lock." "None." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Lee, in the county of Kent." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who your room." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "And you thought he was pulled back?" directors, with the result that you have seen." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "But she could not love him." me. You must get home instantly and act." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less written. answer." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great you." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love said he. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" hereditary King of Bohemia." Surrey." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. next day. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the general public were present, then?" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Why, it's a dummy," said he. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Henry Baker is a member." until night should bring an explanation. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "I promise," said Holmes. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "No, but the enclosure is." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I was mad--insane." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "How many? I don't know." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Why did you beat the pavement?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It families. Now for the facts. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "I cannot tell." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "It was." yourselves in at night?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, later, upon the night of May 2nd." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house helping a boy to put up the shutters. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "No." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in all?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the roused himself from his reverie. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the loss of it. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of useful material for showing traces. The double line a little were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my young Openshaw's." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "The knees of his trousers." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, attention." call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "And that is--" meant." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were