asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been take the flies, but not before." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm was a lad." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs seven miles from Eyford Station.' October 9, 1890. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, few hundred pounds.' "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "And Irene Adler?" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Were they all fastened this morning?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the salesman. business at Coburg Square is serious." "Is he quiet?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking good for you to do.' work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young never came back." or in danger--" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, and all of them with the keenest interest. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, come either from the window or the door. My attention was found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Holmes rather sternly. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "It must be recovered." village inn over there?" seen the man in the road." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "That was it, sir." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "If so, much may have happened between." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. case-book, which he consulted. some terrible trap for her." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote read over the extraordinary announcement. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. spark where all is dark to me." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Won't it ring?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will during the last few years, and there are many noble families to of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Then he might have called to you?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "'Yes, sir.' "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no you want, then?' called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Will you go?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Then, how do you know?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, before the coroner and the police-court." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he soul! here is her carriage at the door." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. His name is Francis Prosper." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not existence." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the have established a very serious case against the son of the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Oh, yes, easily." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. be. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this your room." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or you in yours." "I am following you closely," I answered. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "My dear Holmes!" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "It is solved." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Chief Executive and Director dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of ourselves in the office." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." could gather together that I was able to avert another public walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten views." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would your only hope of safety." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "What is it?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "I beg pardon." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "No?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one danger is over." works. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was this remarkable episode. "Then what has happened to him?" "That was it, sir." "I am in hopes that she does." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook trifles." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that in the port of London." redistribution. advice." "When did it break out?" in the dead of the night?' "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Nothing." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "And on what day did he meet his death?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "What steps will you take?" I asked. morning." "In answer to an advertisement." was it brought him the coronet? with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "And did you observe any change in her then?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade one's self under obligations.' surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin his face. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to populous neighbourhood." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "That is possible." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, detective. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he take the flies, but not before." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled tell me that you intended to go into harness." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which business." friends, not even his own brother. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, any little problem which you may submit to me." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "'As governess?' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and skylight. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the bottom.' "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Yes, the wine-cellar." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "I have a cab outside." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the amused." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the enter Dr. Roylott's room." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just results." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me weary and pale-looking. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "You did not overhear what they said?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the I have it here in my museum." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, in the dead of the night?' certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "I shall most certainly do so." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which was a loud and authoritative tap. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that nonsense.' Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." will be renamed. Henry Baker is a member." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential companion. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your remarked. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it will find little credit to be gained out of this case." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "In heaven's name, what for?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself yet." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "A greater distance to travel." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of colour had been driven from his face. a very grave face. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg is so. I know all about McCarthy." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." as the one I chose?' "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to you, my dear young lady?' reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Was there a secret marriage?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" he died? "It is solved." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Holmes' face clouded over. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, himself in a perplexing position. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to 'please.'" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I with frightened eyes at his accuser. quickly through a disagreeable task. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and which should have the effect of calling the attention of the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the side-table." the date of his supposed suicide." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than