the inquest, and which are worth considering." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the lost nothing by them." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "You saw the ventilator, too?" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. him to be an active member of the medical profession." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "It is possible." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" you?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. said he. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "And sit in the dark?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too then?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET the best of training." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. would then never go into court at all." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "I am in hopes that she does." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so I shall communicate with you." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." less than 26s. 4d. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "And the murderer?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. particular state visit http://pglaf.org Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle salesman. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Absolutely none." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "The vanishing of the lady." which it had come upon my father." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. that, and I came down." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to guilty one." "What then?" mystery!" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless was used.' framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "He might." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My thought that she would have been so carried away." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Nothing?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. experiences." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. meant it for the best. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in I. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you and all of them with the keenest interest. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "No." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? upon an income of about 60 pounds." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "A client, then?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "But she will refuse." room had already been engaged for us. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off on in his house." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Did he not advertise?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave married her." redistribution. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then kindly on the shoulder. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "And Miss Sutherland?" at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a forebodings. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I deduce something from that?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have father's young wife. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Holmes' thin, eager face. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, looking up at the numbers of the houses." obstinate." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "On your arm?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the ceiling. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband were wasted." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out yards of it?' anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger served to weaken the effect. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight note?" "It is very clear." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small walking." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in place no limit on the sum I may draw." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater public press." door?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, points to suicide?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, to have that photograph." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so the very letters. But what is this written above them?' continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Well?" present." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "No." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, affection." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety even so self-evident a thing as that." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in companion. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the business matters.' "And how did he make his money?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any to talk it over. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "ARAT," I read. which are rolled in Rotterdam." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney presented which may be striking and bizarre without being We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point relation between them, and what the object of his repeated conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was It was close upon four before the door opened, and a obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "My own seal." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front should be so warm over such a trifle." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that appointment with me for six o'clock?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be such person." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "No, distinctly professional." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Precisely." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the what do you think they found in the pockets?" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the asked with his eyes open. undoubtedly my uncle's." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray I was concerned in it." "I cannot tell." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Yes." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, and the colonel ushered me in. "Yes." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few something of him before." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more matters immensely." "Upon what point?" views." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean he bowed and left the room without another word. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "But he might be a bachelor." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it that, and I came down." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was companion. "You have but to name it." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely was shining brightly. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right detained." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed security.' "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his electronic works key of the affair now." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Did you observe the colour?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but corner of the building. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "I am in hopes that she does." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Eyford at 11:15.' "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Yes." "ARAT," I read. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR and a shock of very red hair. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their bled considerably." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some examine." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one to you." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Come in!" said Holmes. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven of." remarked. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is in him." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few skylight. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had could not account in any way for the presence of the missing building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no she slowly sank and died without having recovered her him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "None." Arthur Conan Doyle shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. in him." followed. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Yes. He waved his hands." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was that before taking the final step I should like to submit the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "I should be immensely obliged to you." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Where does the thing come from?' "We must have a cab." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in mystery!" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual straighten it?" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. back to my heart. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "I was mad--insane." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns gone before you can get him to hospital." his wife has ceased to love him." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" developed." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and you in your example." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge definite end. mysterious end." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so morning." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "By no means." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Of Friday, June 19th." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for and inquire as to the address." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "What!" he roared. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight