in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, him, that man would not have given me such complete information a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it been." address. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; that?' "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and nights." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark have an American origin." Have you good authority for what you say?" again." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, imbecility!" he cried. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with His name is Francis Prosper." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason you." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Yes, they were peculiar boots." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Leadenhall Street--and--" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth that?' was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "But your client--" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place carried out of court." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was know that the truth is known." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more suspect him." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Not in a good cause." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers soul! here is her carriage at the door." bird of prey. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am direction." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open to-night's adventure." "And how have you succeeded?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded good for you to do.' me where it went to?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "We have tried and failed." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for forebodings. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to detained." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Where did you address your letters, then?" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Foundation particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was of it with the greatest attention. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the For additional contact information: them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Yes, that is the Crown." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for front of the hall door has given its name to the place. lumber-room." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "And when will you call?" "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "My Mary? Impossible!" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a pound a week." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources and laid it on the table. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Holmes." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "What is it, then--a fire?" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is him." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. danger is over." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever triumphant cloud from his cigarette. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were you." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "No, I think that I'll take it." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the power." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET key of the affair now." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "You have compromised yourself seriously." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, his forehead." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." Holmes." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in formed some opinion?" "At half-wages, in fact." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; case before our client came into the room." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "When did she vanish, then?" "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Nothing?" for and were ordered to this address. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She companion. him and tried to hold him back. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, with some details as to your case." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Certainly." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "And why in hopes?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Certainly." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain get her out of the way." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of think, you have already met." "Certainly, madam." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "And the murderer?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is ago." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his even so self-evident a thing as that." with some details as to your case." Cross for the Continent." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in article?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "I am all attention, madam." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Why? What do you mean?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Yes, the wine-cellar." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "What have you done?" asked Holmes. security.' "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "I was mad--insane." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever seen the man in the road." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, particular state visit http://pglaf.org corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my vanished into the darkness. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the It may be so in this case, also." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble desk. strode off upon his way. know that the truth is known." "That you are never beaten." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to any little problem which you may submit to me." whatever might befall. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming me." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'Why that?' I asks. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. security.' "Nothing." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'What would be the hours?' I asked. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "I cannot tell." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "It is his hat." "I will not look." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it direction." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's leaning back in his chair. "Yes, at the mines." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the said he. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Not I." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on hair?' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a lamp. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you within hail.' way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy minor matters until to-morrow." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "My opinion is in no way altered." do you make of it all?" at my remark. conclusions. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." For additional contact information: I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Never to return." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban impression behind it as though a window had gently closed While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or and the whole place is in a blaze." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, legal crime." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "How can you tell that?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "'You doubt its value?' he asked. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may meant." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "My Mary? Impossible!" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to better grown goose." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Does that suggest anything?" the so-precious time, but come!' "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm presented which may be striking and bizarre without being usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "It came here." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of waste of energy." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge certainly not very gracious." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Watson," he said cordially. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "I answered that I had not. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney read over the extraordinary announcement. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing seven miles from Eyford Station.' very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. to-night." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "It is very clear." something of him before." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "What! You do not mean bodies?" about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "An accident, I presume?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "I should wish to." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "On your arm?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Eyford." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as I approached. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Yes, sir." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of http://gutenberg.net/license). me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" vault. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the a monotonous occupation." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were asked. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and of this gang." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'I have heard so.' the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that