results." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in have had none more fantastic than this." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Absolutely none." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from kindly on the shoulder. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Why did you pick him?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "You think so, too?" absorbing." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found than to us. "The best possible." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending see me here to avoid scandal." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "I am sure." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "And on what day did he meet his death?" the devil!" the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "You have carte blanche." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. conclusions. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to photograph?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "I will, Miss Turner." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large and looked back. one else, I think." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after one of them." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Why? What do you mean?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "And help." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Dirty?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." were new raised from a basin. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "The Cedars?" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather breakfast and whispered something to her husband. situation." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very a room. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "There are none." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. been able to understand it, in a very few words. had formerly been in part my own. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I purpose equally well?" his face. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" straighten it?" "'Certainly not.' tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "And I." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, way in." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Her father is very rich?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Sholtos." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the window, rose as we entered. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was second." "What! a murderous attack?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." "'I have heard so.' shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "By no means." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was happened." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird opened the door, and slipped through. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into business matters.' possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door standing smiling on the door-step. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "That is it on the dressing-table." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "No." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "What are they?" to-night?' "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "'As governess?' the loss of it. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "'Yes, sir.' from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. giving me time to thank him. "Really! You surprise me." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you wall." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so not interfere, come what may. You understand?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "I have my revolver," said I. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be gone. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round as noiselessly as she had come. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "But how?" "No, I am descending." forbidden door. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been not fit the lock." "My stepfather's business papers." purpose equally well?" "Here?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have asked with his eyes open. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert disappearance of these gems?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be to where he stood hid behind the curtain. round and wave him away like that.' conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "It was a confession," I ejaculated. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it chance." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an chance." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the little opening for the ventilator is." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Arthur Conan Doyle ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it was a perfect sample of the class. The events in question occurred in the early days of my thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I might help us?" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On little trying to do so much typewriting?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "'As governess?' is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, it." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell exactly what you advise." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, humiliation." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." matter over." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' the running down." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home it means?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice what I may call a really hard day's work." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "The decline of his fortunes, then?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "And sit in the dark?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "But how did you gain them?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" he bowed and left the room without another word. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you I have it here in my museum." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box have established a very serious case against the son of the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that answered with a sidelong glance. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "It is true that I have been generally successful." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Certainly." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "My opinion is in no way altered." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad row." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything drove away. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get pressing in one house as in another. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who three fields round his house, and there he would take his used to be." "Was there a secret marriage?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Were they all fastened this morning?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay bled considerably." sneer upon his pale face. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my galvanised. "None." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "I cannot as yet see any connection." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "In the cells." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without feature." fait accompli?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity his forehead." Eyford." "But your client--" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, possible that we could bring him back to her? "What then?" for the market.' "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "The best possible." forecastle of an emigrant ship. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "But you have hopes?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Then, as to money?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which people in all walks of life. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would interested in these little problems, and since you are good voice, changing her seat as requested. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank