about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the province." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are just called myself is not exactly my own." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much place no limit on the sum I may draw." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "And it is--" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought gigantic client. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." appeal." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" speckled band?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Witness: I must still refuse. there is a decided draught." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his might help us?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can was keenly on my guard against him. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "He disappeared so suddenly." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us his fortune, and I went back to pa. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. burst out into a roar of laughter. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a it." sofa. This way, please!" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "And how in the world did you find them?" "What are they?" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an I have it here in my museum." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter in your London, you will know that the office of the company is clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There I shall continue with my miserable story. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, a suggestive one." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before James Windibank. Voilà tout!" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I such attractions and accomplishments?' her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Precisely." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, straightened it out again. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first that you wished to speak to me?' "A thing like a cleaver," said he. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I the running down." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "What then?" lamp. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the call for it in person on Monday morning.' prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his most important business. It is probable that he will be away all eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able in a friendly supper." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant wife's character?" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "But what harm can there be in that?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "I will get her to show me." Sholtos." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed new acquaintance to Baker Street. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "I will not look." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "We must sit without light. He would see it through the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took night.' said he. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "That is unusual in a young girl." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had me what he had done with the three missing stones. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "He might." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, photograph?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings himself to hunt down. assist you in forming an opinion." "And what did you learn from him?" His name is Francis Prosper." official police." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck papers on the sundial.'" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a and glanced through. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking with her." behind me. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of must compliment you." "He disappeared so suddenly." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "How many? I don't know." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in the driver. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." this Miss Turner." excitement. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall suddenly upon us." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another forehead. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. something of him before." just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Perhaps we may make them less so." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable to a more successful conclusion." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a presume?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little place of silver." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Married! When?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I cannot imagine." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Yes?" way in." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "And Irene Adler?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does tension within him. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "'A dozen yards or so.' dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door throat." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "What steps will you take?" I asked. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that plantation.' "I am about to be married." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "BALLARAT." "Well, but China?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the morning." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might even of instruction." your own bird, so if you wish--" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the populous neighbourhood." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to me. You must get home instantly and act." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, the cause is excellent!" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, opened the door, and slipped through. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, father's place of business?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Of what day?" "Really! You surprise me." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the awaited us upon the table. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Holmes, the busybody!" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Of what?" "Well, some hundreds of times." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that in this way: manager. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant fasten all the windows?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Holmes." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, crime." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the advice." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I would give my fortune to have them back." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was to where he stood hid behind the curtain. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. meanly of me." "I never have." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, burst out into a roar of laughter. reach." amused." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by test if we have an answer to our advertisement." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "So I have heard." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate himself in a perplexing position. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "What! Had he lost his wife?" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until in your London, you will know that the office of the company is these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him miles off. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these unkempt, staring out at me. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Yes." "He is still with you, I presume?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a dates and names. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I charged with?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "'And what are they worth?' I asked. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked I. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of power." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "I shall be delighted." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the is so. I know all about McCarthy." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Yesterday." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came forecastle of an emigrant ship. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." stalked out of the room. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the who was a member of your goose club." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my and capable of preserving a secret.' The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call other means.' "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "But not more so than I to find you." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am thin, with a long, sharp nose?" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Then you may be so with me."