was it brought him the coronet? me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a charged with?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, be.' "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Will you bet, then?" whereabouts. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the loss of it. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for them present such singular features as the strange train of down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each the nursery. "Not in the least." "I should like to see him very much." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Married! When?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of question," said Holmes, smiling. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in waste of energy." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her distance from the station, and there we found the young lady deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, distinguish the words: prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "But the mystery?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could weigh very heavily upon my conscience." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting look dissatisfied." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Holmes." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I said I. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress it." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "I beg pardon." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than even of instruction." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "And you can do nothing until then?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he sake, don't!" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Of what day?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. and the church but not where the lady lived." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely thin, with a long, sharp nose?" into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad I held the little printed slip to the light. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "'About the same.' if she died from some sudden fright." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who entirely lost his self-respect." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "From his hat?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I weapon." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by morning." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his and your relations to her." question. "Well, but China?" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made cigars in their mouths. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. unkempt, staring out at me. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter guilty parties." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I must compliment you." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Count Von Kramm." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said his fortune, and I went back to pa. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "But what harm can there be in that?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite suspect him." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had me have 200 pounds?' away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the cause to be." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "'What, the red-headed man?' to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly in darkness. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "The landlord of the Alpha." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are strange features which were associated with the two crimes which possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "I say that I have solved it." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." someone who had been in Australia." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely highroad, where all traces were lost. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil already referred to. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Which are?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he I am not easy in my mind about them." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I giving me time to thank him. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, little trying to do so much typewriting?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the during that time.' inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where row." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "He said too much." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. said Mr. Holder. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I as yours." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "But his lameness?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, your co-operation." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Just look it up, then." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. returning from some small jollification and was making his way ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with bird I ate is country bred." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite true." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "'Is purely nominal.' questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an and the whole place is in a blaze." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He off." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of to arrive at through this?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, was used.' "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it of the efforts of the United States government and of the better predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the I am not easy in my mind about them." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered know all about it," he snarled. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "What do you mean?" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical bachelor.' address. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "It is half-past ten now." "And how did you find out?" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "The best possible." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone up this clue while it is still hot." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it read over the extraordinary announcement. "Where, indeed?" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Yes, sir." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "'I am sure if I had known--' having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited and it need not interfere very much with one's other not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the gone. I leave." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the house with me." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "A greater distance to travel." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "And I to find an enemy." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand at once, for I have only half an hour." "Witness: Nothing definite. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project handed it to him. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Pray do so." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "No, distinctly professional." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here might have a private word with us. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and recover the gem." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Then I shall certainly come." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the house with me." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a second window is the one that I jumped from." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "I guessed as much." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of and laid it on the table. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and unclasping of his long thin hands. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and did not hear it also.' appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "But to whom?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Count Von Kramm." bled considerably." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. never to learn it at all." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." returned to France?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had rooms." crime. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, was it brought him the coronet? 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Pray continue your narrative." be.' landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the examine." "My opinion is in no way altered." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may his fortune, and I went back to pa. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of You want to know what became of those geese?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net your own bird, so if you wish--" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." fashion which was peculiar to him. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." tear off another piece?' explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Witness: I must still refuse. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the call the police, let the police find what they can.' "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in