"Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps death." your most interesting statement." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Witness: It was. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. to some other building. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Yes, there are nearly always some there." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may occupations.' hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Who was the criminal, then?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Well?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Project Gutenberg-tm works. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Yes, the wine-cellar." lost nothing by them." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Won't it ring?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, his grey eyes. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his a monotonous occupation." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our himself to tell his story. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to carried out of court." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated before, for it was considerably after midnight. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Then I shall certainly come." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." with you alone." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable away in different directions, and I went off to make my own particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the telegram would bring me down to your help." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Was the window open?" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he appointment with me for six o'clock?" light and attacked it." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "What office?" "'A dozen yards or so.' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. assist you in forming an opinion." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "'What do you call purely nominal?' PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Your sister is dead, then?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those should be taken.' the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "But how?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, was used.' "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Very. But will he see it?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "But I am all in the dark." call it cruel." "From his hat?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "No?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to him and tried to hold him back. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "No, finished." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Yes, I have one waiting." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "No, my brougham is waiting." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Well, but China?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Cross for the Continent." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Yes, at the mines." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my and the whole place is in a blaze." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family highroad, where all traces were lost. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. prison!" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more III. attention." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can so far?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "And Irene Adler?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Perfectly so." "He said too much." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they the devil!" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Yes." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "What do you make of that, Watson?" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate on re-entering her father's house?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. long narrative. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now felt?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I hopeless attempt at recovering them." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have prove to be little relation between the different incidents of follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of away into the river." chance." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Was she in good spirits?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is Holmes. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." man. I know him from the photograph." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a second window is the one that I jumped from." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about delirious. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I think it very unlikely." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "No. What a strange idea!" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "BALLARAT." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, our word." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Then how many are there?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "But his lameness?" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the into the bag, and made for the door. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am persecution?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have light and attacked it." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" wedding?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Thank you. Pray proceed." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are it with his own hands." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, see a sister of mine apply for." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it became a certainty. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a to his chemical studies. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it is," said he presently: acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, for its centre. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, your room." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end rooms." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two been deceived." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For him, that man would not have given me such complete information downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I and laid it on the table. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Perhaps I have." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his the general public were present, then?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "It is very kind of you." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "And you don't know his address?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin one's self under obligations.' in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "That's no good." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the stones. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Sholtos." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are sit on the left-hand side of the driver." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own a very grave face. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it noting anything else of interest. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Nothing." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, you." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Yes, that is the Crown." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his standing smiling on the door-step. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "I know where it is." papers on the sundial.'" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Murdered?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she for securing the situation." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The his fortune, and I went back to pa. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." My friend smiled. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly think, you have already met." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." recover the gem." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is lost his Christmas dinner." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic letters?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in ourselves in the office." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "You were travelling in the States?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "My dear Holmes!" hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On excitement. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents grasp, he hurried from the room. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than think that any burglar could have done. "You have carte blanche." Miss Holder?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it it with his own hands." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." bird I ate is country bred." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Pope's Court, Fleet Street." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Yes, that is the Crown." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that again on its way. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' within hail.' have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really figure." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see