of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Because he was handy and would come cheap." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I neither fascinating nor artistic." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to entirely devoid of interest." "You did not overhear what they said?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with hurried away. "Whose house is it?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "'As governess?' believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "It missed him, then?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable becomes even more simple." "No, my brougham is waiting." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid was shining brightly. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "'Entirely.' gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the my special province." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from hardly wander." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a heavy and sharp instrument." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom recover the gem." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "You have a clue?" sparkled upon his finger. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "If I can be of use." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of congenial hunt. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the enter Dr. Roylott's room." morning." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "How did he come?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door character. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." late." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "What?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I assure you that I am in your hands." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been during that time.' With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the acted in my house last night?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal that I can to serve you." License. You must require such a user to return or one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never back to my heart. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the had formerly been in part my own. was already answered. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. following enigmatical notices: league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "And it is--" "I think it very unlikely." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Not particularly." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have have an American origin." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for delighted to hear it," he said. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds 'please.'" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Ah, but I was recommended to you." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Get out!" said he. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Did you become engaged then?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be you." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "He said too much." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if 'please.'" there in twenty minutes." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and little adventures." himself to hunt down. note?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "From his hat?" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "My stepfather's business papers." once more. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this begin with, and I had not got mine yet." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to hard-headed British jury." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Do you go out much in society?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "So I have heard." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Does that suggest anything?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on hard-headed British jury." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. begun to whiten, even as mine has." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements awaited us upon the table. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the devil!" Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "There are none." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "No." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring cigars in their mouths. intrusion of other matters." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "What! a murderous attack?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a But Holmes shook his head gravely. "No, I had a dozen." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the King without delay." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to used to be." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the very letters. But what is this written above them?' has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you telegram would bring me down to your help." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his read over the extraordinary announcement. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by shall not find me ungrateful." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are stalked out of the room. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "We were both in the photograph." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "I see many objections to any such theory." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, presented more singular features than that which was associated "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Nearly eleven." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'What are you doing there?' he asked. four million human beings all jostling each other within the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'Yes, sir.' "'Certainly,' I answered. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "It is half-past ten now." go--none." "Yes, it was twisted." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." danger is over." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a bell. Holmes whistled. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon became a certainty. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this certainly do as you advise." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and shall use the carriage to-night." words came to my lips. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "What are they?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to delirious. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "I shall be delighted." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, back alive. III. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait criminal. We have already had experience of such." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Will you bet, then?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "The decline of his fortunes, then?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "'I shall certainly be there.' friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of some place of shelter and let the county police know what has There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. or other trace. But how on earth--" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. your own bird, so if you wish--" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar joking. "It was." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Yes." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the are windows in it, of course?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "A confidential servant?" of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring papers on the sundial.'" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with matter." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. key of the affair now." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, pictures, libraries, or plate. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Dark enough and sinister enough." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the her also." certainly do as you advise." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, wedding?" works. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. see a sister of mine apply for." "I promise," said Holmes. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at written, and locked the door of the office after me. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic business matters.' the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "'Never.' "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" should be taken.' The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes thin, with a long, sharp nose?" beg that you will break it off." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door to-morrow." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." beg that you will break it off." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "'Not at all. I only doubt--' putting in the horse. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "I would give my fortune to have them back." security.' "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the just ask you whether you had heard it.' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Surrey." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from details." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free and I shall be with you presently." "VIOLET HUNTER." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel present strange and interesting features that it is no easy in your London, you will know that the office of the company is chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Where is it, then?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to bore every mark of being an average commonplace British him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall