relief. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but house for five minutes.' toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "She told me to ask you." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "I cannot imagine." "But his left-handedness." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "How about poison?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that to some other building. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Deserted you?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every intrusion of other matters." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. companion. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of before, for it was considerably after midnight. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "The knees of his trousers." not fit the lock." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I that you saw all that I did." my secret was safe in his possession. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been mysterious end." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and presented more singular features than that which was associated to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful weigh very heavily upon my conscience." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and beyond words. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "To the police?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be most interesting one." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a entirely lost his self-respect." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' congratulate you again." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right strength." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would beyond words. "No legal papers or certificates?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "I will do it." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "But she could not love him." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have when you have done it." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the be.' returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She galvanised. papers on the sundial.'" "And now?" I asked. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to obstinate." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Certainly." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me foresight and the moral retrogression?" loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "When did it break out?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, horse could go." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated than to us. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker towards the blaze. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our hair?' stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, these bleak autumnal evenings." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps up this clue while it is still hot." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "No. What a strange idea!" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that goes." "About a month then." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it manager. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Who was the criminal, then?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips how narrow had been my escape. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "None." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their chair. will take you up to see the machine.' together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to it." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "'Never.' until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Yes?" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural such attractions and accomplishments?' "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and was shining brightly. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "You forget that I know nothing about it." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and flock.' of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and are, I think, all that we need." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "It must be recovered." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. me have 200 pounds?' out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "And it is--" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining introspective fashion. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over fishes. "Where to?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an morning." purpose equally well?" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day from you?" status with the IRS. up this clue while it is still hot." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Munro.' usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Chief Executive and Director make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen examine." cigar and let me expound." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to papers must be those that are destroyed.' writing, and yet I know it well." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds that?' "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I should be immensely obliged to you." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Witness: It was. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "How often?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, the nursery. gigantic client. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "That you are never beaten." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking and it need not interfere very much with one's other crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her and glanced through. is now desirous of getting those letters back." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question might help us?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than of the way of danger. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, your sleep?' XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly his fortune, and I went back to pa. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what are windows in it, of course?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Could he throw no light?" might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a arrested. You then--" His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, could go. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "And now?" He raised his hand. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I it." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I don't say that. Perhaps." important." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left joking. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "'What do you call purely nominal?' squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we likely to be some crony of the landlady's." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning to miss it." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Nothing." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day girl said." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of to change my dress. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran is acting for the best. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily your room." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "What is it?" "How did that help you?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," have one." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he such person." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "That is possible." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "But she will refuse." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental any little problem which you may submit to me." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that would apply.' But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the to take care of herself." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "By no means." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the tightly behind him. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "This photograph!" "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Yes, certainly." "Dirty?" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to will not take me long to tell. washing it down with a long draught of water. secret." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and washing it down with a long draught of water. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to