charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of off." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "You have it, sir, just as it happened." outside. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "How long did she speak to this Alice?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective the devil!" his face which made him a very different person to the round, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He empty. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think I have it here in my museum." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Well." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "That you are never beaten." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a wedding?" "You are certainly joking, Holmes." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it throat." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. and the whole place is in a blaze." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "You have but to name it." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "My dear Holmes!" with you alone." girl said." in the port of London." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Yes, only one." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "At the wedding breakfast." "I think it very unlikely." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. your Highness to the police-station?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she quick march!" whole matter to your consideration." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "But not more so than I to find you." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "What is it, then--a fire?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement point in the dark hollow of his hand. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first carpenter." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "I am all attention, madam." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, sparkled upon his finger. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments burst into a hearty fit of laughter. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. down. "But you were on a friendly footing?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "He said that you could solve anything." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the IS "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Texas, I think." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very matter." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." invisible to me," I remarked. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Pray do so." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Henry Baker is a member." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "No, my brougham is waiting." his knees, staring into the fire. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Perhaps we may make them less so." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to DISSOLVED. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "But what is it you wish?" tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that client, rising. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But quickly through a disagreeable task. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the so-precious time, but come!' seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and o'clock is it?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'What then?' I asked. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." joking. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the fire. You quite follow me?" found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "We must sit without light. He would see it through the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back shaken than I had ever seen him. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak closing the door. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she him. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "I shall be delighted." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt do.' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery events than those which have happened in my own family." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." about here speaks of his kindness to him." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, them, and came down just as you departed. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about there were one or two details which were new to me. But the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend writers could invent nothing more crude." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "The murder was done with it." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Really! You surprise me." important." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Witness: It was. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these shadow pass over his face as I spoke. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a bill, which interests me deeply." matter." salesman. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Witness: I must still refuse. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features carried out of court." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the with you?" detective. "Which are?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately to affect your life." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had and I shall be with you presently." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'Where could I find him?' "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the she might be summoned. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" at my own good fortune. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" cigar and let me expound." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round you want, then?' you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the within hail.' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, and capable of preserving a secret.' "Which surely he restored to their owner?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause best detective that ever lived. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" down. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. morning." that threaten you." fluttered off among the others. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the unclasping of his long thin hands. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "The King of Scandinavia." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying bears upon the case?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every eat it." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "'Yes, I promise.' great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord envelope. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Thank you. Pray proceed." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the devil!" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The made his money." will take you up to see the machine.' human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Was there a secret marriage?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own The police have openly confessed that they can at present make works. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. of receipt of the work. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "It is no ordinary one." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time directly by questioning you." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "ARAT," I read. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few whether it answered to the description of any of their and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Yes?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "And Irene Adler?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all London for the present?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward vanished into the darkness. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by train from Paddington which would bring you there at about confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked own family. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this nights." "You horrify me." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as already referred to. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in least a most suspicious remark." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a business." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, was keenly on my guard against him. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and *** START: FULL LICENSE *** for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an examination of the premises, but without finding anything which passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may wedding?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the weighed down with some great anxiety. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "What, then?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of my friend's incisive reasoning. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little outsides of the windows. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was ways including including checks, online payments and credit card humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment,