"In answer to an advertisement." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "No." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, hurried by. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I there when the Rucastles went away." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" fire. You quite follow me?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. the station." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must in the port of London." "Indeed! Whose, then?" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that tell them apart.' "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': said Mr. Holder. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in answered with a sidelong glance. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I am all attention, madam." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Count Von Kramm." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Game for a morning drive?" kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open he. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater throat." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "No." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "My dear Holmes!" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. purpose of examination. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining nice household for a young lady." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been think that he is innocent?" that there was nothing in it, after all." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to noting anything else of interest. is," said he presently: Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try depend upon my doing so.' memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' sit on the left-hand side of the driver." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "In what way?" asked Holmes. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that not as remarkable as your advertisement." jewels which you have stolen?' in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring fishes. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over to have that photograph." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the should be so warm over such a trifle." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Pray continue your narrative." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "And I to find an enemy." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the mystery may be cleared along those lines." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. woven round him. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Then I shall certainly come." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning results." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." of campaign. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, good for you to do.' gone. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear chemical work which was so dear to him. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the opportunities to fix the problem. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "So I heard. You have him here?" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I have one." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Here?" to that open window." upon the sideboard." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over events than those which have happened in my own family." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads enter into my head. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "And Irene Adler?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for fatally injured? the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! already been minutely examined." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Ample." attention." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly to have been novel and of interest." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are hair?' "'I have heard so.' houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of and I shall be with you presently." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to jewels which you have stolen?' his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "None." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their friends, not even his own brother. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "You have compromised yourself seriously." less than 26s. 4d. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "She walked into the breakfast-room." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "At the wedding breakfast." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Not social, then?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "What then?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's chemical work which was so dear to him. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a and that he would see to anything that turned up. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, should be so warm over such a trifle." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very some place of shelter and let the county police know what has your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "You are all wrong." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice gigantic client. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK helping a boy to put up the shutters. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a burst out into a roar of laughter. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed several quiet little villages up there." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with intimate personal affairs in this public manner." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "One horse?" interjected Holmes. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which with some details as to your case." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "And from a noble client?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Have you her photograph?" carpenter." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Nothing." just ask you whether you had heard it.' you." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "But I am all in the dark." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." new duties?' have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "That's no good." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "The King of Scandinavia." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have know all about it," he snarled. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "So I have heard." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds British peeress.'" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was wall." "And help." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "What, then?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the morning and make my own way in the world.' as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom him!" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Nothing." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "If I can be of use." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Very. But will he see it?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of charged with?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'What, the red-headed man?' to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and roused himself from his reverie. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally charge against him will break down." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, had picked up in the wood. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Dr. Gregory B. Newby Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black instincts rose up against that laugh. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Why did you beat the pavement?" you in yours." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "It is possible." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door was already answered. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Not I." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. green of the new foliage. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "You are all wrong." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De place of silver." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is conversation I have gathered that they have been married about kindly on the shoulder. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new overpowering excitement and concern. third from London." second." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you had this final quarrel? electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days himself to hunt down. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "None." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I am about to be married." electronic works that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but lectures into a series of tales." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." and I shall be with you presently." was a loud and authoritative tap. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with an introduction to him?" to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare what I may call a really hard day's work." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some question. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in copied or distributed: with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that recall any case within my experience which looked at the first in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I III. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little the inquest, and which are worth considering." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Nothing?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than highly," said Holmes. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a presume?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, towards the blaze. Gutenberg-tm License. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of remarked. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they tension within him. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Perfectly so." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked 1.E.9. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "I think that it is very probable." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Munro.' man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "You did not overhear what they said?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant nothing with him." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a Farm upon the left." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. make me his representative both with the servants and with the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "No good news?" "But what harm can there be in that?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in morning." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "None." "Perhaps we may make them less so." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a to take care of herself." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she beg that you will break it off." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is