felt the room to be a little close.' comes from the middle window." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after what these perils are?" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But horse could go." "Then I am your man." His smile broadened. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Dr. Gregory B. Newby hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a business?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved instincts rose up against that laugh. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, views." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an useful material for showing traces. The double line a little the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the ways of our fellow-men." one of them." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of as noiselessly as she had come. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one that you saw all that I did." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "We must sit without light. He would see it through the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated back to my heart. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Heh?' the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. to-night's adventure." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "What shall I do?" Farm upon the left." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange to affect your life." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Where to?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. delighted to hear it," he said. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "I cannot as yet see any connection." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you existence." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with outsides of the windows. despair." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. himself to tell his story. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must because she had spent so short a time in this country that she thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known name is different." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a bonnet, and went out." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to any more." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." companion. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I a monotonous occupation." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "That is also quite modern," said the lady. too. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own go--none." "I have my revolver," said I. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. written. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew What do you deduce from it?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "'Which dealer's?' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" bonnet, and went out." tied." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with point our research must commence, and we will begin it by those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to quite distinctive." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me of campaign. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it once more to my work. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Quite so. She has her freedom." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my be. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Pope's Court, Fleet Street." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Perhaps we may make them less so." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some in darkness. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Do you know him?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Yes." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out with you alone." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "9th. McCauley cleared. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Then, as to money?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a of a light. "I see no marks." "What! Had he lost his wife?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I cannot imagine." be sorry for having acted so harshly." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in do." indeed which he could not unravel. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had as he remarks, very much against the son." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both fact, we may call it conclusive." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's to Leatherhead. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house fear." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a to take care of herself." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before I held the little printed slip to the light. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Yes." "Then, how do you know?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." would then never go into court at all." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies giving me time to thank him. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "No good news?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Yesterday." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to reach." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a me what he had done with the three missing stones. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he know all about it," he snarled. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not name is different." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. are, I think, all that we need." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than there is a decided draught." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. question," said Holmes, smiling. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself The King stared at him in amazement. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some wall." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" to talk it over. dramatic, in fact." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "How did you deduce the select?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late not interfere, come what may. You understand?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, outbreak?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "On the contrary, this is the right side." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was cigars in the box." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more to where he stood hid behind the curtain. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, followed. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end papers." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had like that before?" attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with of a light. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be standing smiling on the door-step. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "It is true that I have been generally successful." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. to surprise her." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. four million human beings all jostling each other within the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. a monotonous occupation." "Not him." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "No, I am descending." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set the one as in the other." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the in darkness. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; interests were the same as his." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered is now desirous of getting those letters back." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Perhaps I have." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly people don't know." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here may have an influence upon European history." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Not I." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been The events in question occurred in the early days of my the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Precisely so. But how--" "Tired-looking or fresh?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on