only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your opened a pocket-book and took out a note. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that once more. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, garden below. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Will you go?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Holmes." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Again Holmes raved in the air. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. went to the Alpha were town bred." telegram would bring me down to your help." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit forebodings. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "You have compromised yourself seriously." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered delighted to hear it," he said. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are once more to my work. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "I guessed as much." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a your troubles." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe it." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "This photograph!" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Where does the thing come from?' fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Ample." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry is now desirous of getting those letters back." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her writer." more solid." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one in him." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever chair. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker of them has the shutters up.' my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his ill-usage at the hands of fortune. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "It is possible." direction." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it crime." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will became a certainty. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Just look it up, then." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want you." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and your bag." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in was shining brightly. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and obstinate." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "My Mary? Impossible!" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and there was no need for father to know." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down http://www.gutenberg.net streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. my little problems." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not families. Now for the facts. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no which should have the effect of calling the attention of the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a over with notes and figures. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something soul! here is her carriage at the door." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that together. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his was already answered. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Certainly." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Street. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Precisely so. But how--" yet." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." closing the door. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "No legal papers or certificates?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this even so self-evident a thing as that." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Why? What do you mean?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but head. So long, then!" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "But he might be a bachelor." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "'Not at all. I only doubt--' scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "It is very kind of you." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four thought that she would have been so carried away." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The matter." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his see me here to avoid scandal." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Yes." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "I am still in the dark." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that infinite languor in his face. know that the truth is known." "So I have heard." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, your only hope of safety." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any must be when I saw the door open.' don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "This photograph!" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Then I can wait in the next room." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the prepare for the new role I have to play." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry there is a decided draught." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was rooms." the address that was given us in the advertisement. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Not particularly." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Thank you. And your address?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an and no precautions can guard against." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a gives a meaning to it." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Count Von Kramm." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods people in all walks of life. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police than to us. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. chance." "I guessed as much." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? My friend smiled. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, status with the IRS. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "'What would be the hours?' I asked. woman." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "What can you not understand?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and when your master had gone out." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. thirty. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Texas, I think." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your vague figure huddled up in the darkness. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "What! Had he lost his wife?" once more to my work. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling words came to my lips. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "I cannot imagine." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my which should have the effect of calling the attention of the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to recover the gem." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "But he might be a bachelor." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering affair. cigars in the box." "What! Had he lost his wife?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing swore that no one else had been in the front room during the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, see a sister of mine apply for." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had whatever might befall. business in the City. She little knew what. followed. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "By no means." papers diligently of late, have you not?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "And sit in the dark?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Where is it, then?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other father's young wife. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, which we had just quitted. "Not in the least." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his said I. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with photograph a cabinet?" words came to my lips. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Not him." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Not in a good cause." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. character. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "What I expected to see." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third possible that we could bring him back to her? "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" his face. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "By no means." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had best detective that ever lived. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Your French gold?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "You heard nothing yourself last night?" man. I know him from the photograph." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "It looks newer than the other things?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." the coronet in his hand?" "I cannot tell." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his generous with you in money matters.' work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. stammered. details." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of distance from the station, and there we found the young lady what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through drawing your inferences." Holmes rather sternly. again." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were as yours." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his easy-going way." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your if she died from some sudden fright." "'Yes.'