"What then?" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Then you may entirely rely on me." me upon any point which I do not make clear." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can conduct the inquiry." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "And why?" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given are, and they are waiting for us." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my see me here to avoid scandal." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss here and I will read it to you: "Come in!" said Holmes. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety disappearance of these gems?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but never came back." the roots. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight your room." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear lost nothing by them." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, said he. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds fluttered off among the others. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My forebodings. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon upon the white wrist. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "But how did you gain them?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know bachelor.' "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it new acquaintance to Baker Street. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney weary and pale-looking. been." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "I was sure that I might rely on you." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and you in yours." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible these bleak autumnal evenings." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the salesman. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "It is solved." "It is solved." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish light and attacked it." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "'Most admirably.' been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw public press." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little I approached. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round said he. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "I guessed as much." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work good-night and bustled off upon her way. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "She showed me, as I told you she would." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long it." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before there when the Rucastles went away." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very if she died from some sudden fright." was it brought him the coronet? on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Henry Baker is a member." "No, finished." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "None." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the date of his supposed suicide." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that my room." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your skylight. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Oh, the cause is excellent!" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Yes, sir." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in place, I think that there is good ground to think that the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. her also." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed and that he would see to anything that turned up. she might be summoned. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you down from London to inquire more deeply into it." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the in a very precise fashion." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after business." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'There is a drive, then?' waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Yes." have one." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." I was concerned in it." "You horrify me." all?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an promised to bring home. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes galvanised. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Yes, he did." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Very murderous indeed." or in danger--" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without public press." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite James Windibank. Voilà tout!" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may copied or distributed: there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the all that?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is posted to-day." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was I approached. was lame." "And why in hopes?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon awkward doing business with an alias." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Was she in good spirits?" "You are hungry," I remarked. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't highroad, where all traces were lost. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "There is the writing." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young fear." "I shall most certainly do so." "Bought." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the roots. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to could not account in any way for the presence of the missing relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is already been minutely examined." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood James Windibank. Voilà tout!" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage any more." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Pray do so." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered distance from the station, and there we found the young lady papers must be those that are destroyed.' bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat photograph?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from emerged. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all carpenter." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their meant." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project him, that man would not have given me such complete information Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband them present such singular features as the strange train of "Do you know him?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet could not have written that. It is the German who is so the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. appeared upon the scene." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from notes," he said. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and 'please.'" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by out." examine." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Ah, but I was recommended to you." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a make me his representative both with the servants and with the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the disappearance of the bride.'" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Holmes. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for during which he might have communicated with his friend the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself a room. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "What do you mean?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, an introduction to him?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to bearing upon the case." one of them." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "And how have you succeeded?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this people in all walks of life. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "So it appears." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while situation." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Entirely." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, fashion which was peculiar to him. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But door?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "How can you tell that?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I up this clue while it is still hot." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "'In my own bureau.' prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of the stable lane now." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her weary and pale-looking. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his as he folded up the epistle. "On your arm?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "How about poison?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a and laid it on the table. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not From what you have told me I think that it is possible that time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." following enigmatical notices: provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will night.' said he. case before our client came into the room." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided joking. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the the roots. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then arrested. You then--" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we to me. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "But how will you look?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story to-night?" I asked. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came his face which made him a very different person to the round, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. front of me. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "She told me to ask you." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." paper in the air. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had back into the street. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, gentleman's clothes. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing was it brought him the coronet? examine."