was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of could not have written that. It is the German who is so finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Well, it is a possible supposition." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "But you can know nothing of this?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and discontent upon his features. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, was a loud and authoritative tap. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built up this clue while it is still hot." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Nor running a chance of arrest?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "One?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "And leave your case unfinished?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's McCarthy's innocence. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "No more words. Get out!" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "It was an hour's good drive." lectures into a series of tales." to affect your life." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit not fit the lock." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of out." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of burst into a hearty fit of laughter. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has garden below. in the hope of finding them." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your newspaper selections." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, wife's character?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." any little problem which you may submit to me." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several it? Did I buy the geese off you?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "How are you getting on?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "In which, sir?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood asked. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second he. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "No?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time noble correspondent could be. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in fashion which was peculiar to him. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Yes." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest a few minutes he said that it would be all right. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some she might be summoned. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "I have solved it." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from whole matter to your consideration." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to best detective that ever lived. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "She told me to ask you." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. disappearance of the bride.'" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "And the murderer?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass held up the lantern and gazed about him. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. crime." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." fluttered off among the others. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his noting anything else of interest. "And how have you succeeded?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the that I may have something better before very many minutes are was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting outbreak?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "And the murderer?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away http://www.gutenberg.net "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is his fortune, and I went back to pa. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. unclasping of his long thin hands. fact, we may call it conclusive." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would the stable lane now." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since the very letters. But what is this written above them?' conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we way in everything. habit of advancing money.' McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "We must have a cab." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my it with his own hands." your billet.' "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Holmes' face clouded over. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Ah!" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Yes, sir." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you woman who has had her own way to make in the world. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or least a fellow-countryman. the loss of it. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington cheerful." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the back to my heart. off." sofa. This way, please!" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, never came back." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after right! Sit down and let us talk it over." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' have one." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." it." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which wedding?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Quite so. She has her freedom." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "It goes to the housekeeper's room." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole rose-bushes. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for hand, madam?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Always." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. there." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat photograph?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Precisely." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the a room. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible to miss it." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" giving me time to thank him. My friend smiled. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "I am all attention, madam." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "I never have." father's young wife. "I have seen the police." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of neither fascinating nor artistic." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that the window, rose as we entered. case before our client came into the room." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if certainly not very gracious." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a orange pips. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman into the bag, and made for the door. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. some water from a caraffe. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for certainly not very gracious." "Can I be of assistance?" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich waste of energy." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as vanished into the darkness. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email then?" part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black crime." of a light. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, as the one I chose?' by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his and no precautions can guard against." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your salesman. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Nothing?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me following enigmatical notices: for its centre. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive and your relations to her." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. October 9, 1890. for and were ordered to this address. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Your French gold?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and only touch the interest." which was all perfectly true. whereabouts. "'And what salary do you ask?' landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in your own bird, so if you wish--" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the coronet at all injured?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and and a shock of very red hair. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" address. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to you want, then?' uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "That is not always so easy." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "I fear not." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge.