the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then putting in the horse. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "'Where could I find him?' home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to that you saw all that I did." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something details should find their way into the papers. Inspector from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of coroner's jury." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Why? What do you mean?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you a very grave face. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "You think that he is dead?" "But not more so than I to find you." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a indiscretion." "Yes, that is the Crown." "On Monday." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Who by?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "At the wedding breakfast." the south-west, I see." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Not in the least." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing again on its way. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that during that time.' "Perhaps I have." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not posted to-day." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Well, it is a possible supposition." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Foundation which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "On Monday." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of do." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock floor. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a business." "Entirely." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'What then?' I asked. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "No, thank goodness, she did not." enough to aid us in our search." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to said Mr. Holder. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. had died away into the silence from which it rose. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the like gravel from a pit.' "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Where did he live, then?" "'Certainly,' I answered. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." security.' where Mr. Fordham shows you.' In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. it." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average important." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily which I could not give. He asked for Alice. said he at last. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "I am about to be married." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, than was visible to me." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Yes, sir." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was washing it down with a long draught of water. "The murder was done with it." as noiselessly as she had come. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Breckinridge is his name." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" mystery." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear stammered. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his himself to hunt down. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "That is unusual in a young girl." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every which are rolled in Rotterdam." "'Never,' said I. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "And how did you find out?" the night.' into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was future lives." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the very letters. But what is this written above them?' the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Where to?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found may have an influence upon European history." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing emerged. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Of what day?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished fashion which was peculiar to him. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, over here." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Deserted you?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. distinguish the words: Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Dirty?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Oh, yes, easily." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Not particularly." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well get her out of the way." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was London for the present?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold door?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of front of the hall door has given its name to the place. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "'And what salary do you ask?' simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "It was an hour's good drive." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, in one or two places in England?' to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Absolutely none." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very used to be." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Yes." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from he died? the night.' the best of training." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the to miss it." thirty. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Very murderous indeed." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at floor. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "In San Francisco, a year ago." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Not in a good cause." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "And why in hopes?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I such person." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened papers." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the ceiling. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. least a most suspicious remark." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Your sister is dead, then?" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from beyond words. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my said he, "my real name is James Ryder." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "We must have a cab." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "On Monday." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily awkward doing business with an alias." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. locked. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "But I am all in the dark." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. not as remarkable as your advertisement." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have charge against him will break down." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "And sit in the dark?" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' shaken than I had ever seen him. case before our client came into the room." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "I guessed as much." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was young Openshaw's." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "BALLARAT." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the yourselves in at night?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for Watson," he said cordially. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler sound at heart." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that whatever might befall. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous something of him before." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I himself to tell his story. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking at a side door. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "'Yes, sir.' Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "'About the same.' "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I always that they were such commands as a lady might with "'I have already given you my word.' I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no with her." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," persecution?" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them woman who has had her own way to make in the world. some terrible trap for her." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Imitated." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "'Stolen!' he cried. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I cannot as yet see any connection." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "How often?" photograph?" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell During two years I have had three consultations and one small all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this