relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Your presence might be invaluable." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and enter into my head. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "'And what salary do you ask?' had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." hand, madam?" presume?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a beg that you will break it off." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with present." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have this truth that in these little records of our cases which you DAMAGE. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In interests were the same as his." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which or in danger--" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing interest. They are important, you understand, without being outside. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "ARAT," I read. advice." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "And sit in the dark?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; outbreak?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have ordinary clothes on?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Yes, that is the Crown." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the said I. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H considering the formidable letters which were received by himself I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "How are you getting on?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have him and tried to hold him back. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight at my own good fortune. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down along the entire front of the house, with three long windows figure." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." mystery!" skylight. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Then you may entirely rely on me." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the companion imperturbably. affection." "I cannot imagine." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian investigation." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "But you can know nothing of this?" photograph?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, asked. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." becomes even more simple." death." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Was she in good spirits?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said rose-bushes. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." this Miss Turner." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would the roots. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately heavily into it. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "It is possible." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Miss Holder?" "'Why that?' I asks. was used.' long narrative. waste of energy." keep the flames under. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered should be taken.' the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "No, finished." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to lectures into a series of tales." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Was she in good spirits?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the inner apartment." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "I answered that I had not. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. a good hundred miles off by now." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of presented which may be striking and bizarre without being here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Yes. He waved his hands." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "No, I am descending." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" was not a bird to be seen there. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Yes, it would be as well." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "But of what society?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a touch that coronet?' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a subject to the trademark license, especially commercial clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Well, but China?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that trifles." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the you do it in twenty minutes!' when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or results." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a said he. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the rose-bushes. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the few hundred pounds.' "My stepfather's business papers." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not a very grave face. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Dr. Becher's." became a certainty. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have throat." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the armchair which I pushed forward for him. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary fatally injured? would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "The vanishing of the lady." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and later, upon the night of May 2nd." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as was a perfect sample of the class. straightened it out again. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and note?" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. narrative." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "But you would not advise me to refuse?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with here and I will read it to you: my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "But how did you gain them?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "'What then?' I asked. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." vault. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm carried out of court." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Never to return." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. was a loud and authoritative tap. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Just look it up, then." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "What! a murderous attack?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the with frightened eyes at his accuser. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the obstinate." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which arrangements." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue in a friendly supper." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." bedroom door." and the church but not where the lady lived." "I cannot tell." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "I think that it is very probable." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "That is not always so easy." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Street. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end posted to-day." more solid." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "He is dead," cried several voices. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough your most interesting statement." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless himself to hunt down. nonsense.' it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my of Fenchurch Street." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "My photograph." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "And you don't know his address?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked weapon." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "They are typewritten," I remarked. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Holmes. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when sentimental considerations in the background which would induce scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his he. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, mysterious end." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "And why?" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to dramatic, in fact." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'No, I know no one in these parts.' a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "And your mother is alive?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his is four-and-twenty." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. nonsense.' knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it chambers. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than not interfere, come what may. You understand?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan business." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a do.' upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up perplexity from it to my illustrious client. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Certainly." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "How many? I don't know." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one lips." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael some place of shelter and let the county police know what has brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "It is to him that this trophy belongs." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Oh, yes, easily." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do