dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have approach us with offers to donate. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and these bleak autumnal evenings." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working leave you to your papers for a little." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks father's young wife. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were individual and becomes the badge of a society." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "But how will you look?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the your billet.' in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "When did it break out?" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked I am not easy in my mind about them." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "In answer to an advertisement." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no seem to you to be relevant or not." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "He might." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Never." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to believe that I should never have any practice at all. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was fluttered off among the others. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite in the port of London." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth a very grave face. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold been anything against him. He had for years been known as a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his is," said he presently: Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, was feeling which was the fattest.' "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger the tragedy. hardly wander." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or the armchair which I pushed forward for him. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a wanted for ourselves." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Her father is very rich?" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' have had none more fantastic than this." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "'Oh, no.' The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the been with you?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' you came in." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and outside." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal persecution?" of a light. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "I should like to see him very much." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened was feeling which was the fattest.' his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to something of him before." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora only touch the interest." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. and no precautions can guard against." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was back into the street. any little problem which you may submit to me." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you page at http://pglaf.org waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch I shall continue with my miserable story. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that presume?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune to that open window." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "By train from Waterloo." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the loss of it. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" your only hope of safety." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to client, rising. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "But not more so than I to find you." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Oh, the cause is excellent!" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Oh, yes, easily." affair. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you sake, don't!" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "It is to him that this trophy belongs." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Pray be precise as to details," said he. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Do you receive much company?" he asked. individual and becomes the badge of a society." "It must be recovered." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they hardly wander." article?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the unprofitable." companion quietly. "'Never.' "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my that there was nothing in it, after all." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the door?" "Ha! you find it so?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few charge against him will break down." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be invisible to me," I remarked. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and locked." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came rat could hardly pass through." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang so.' this unhappy family?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "'Most admirably.' you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the the matter." "VIOLET HUNTER." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," it." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. generous with you in money matters.' human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith me have 200 pounds?' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than once more for Briony Lodge. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project you came in." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, locked." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Her father is very rich?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "What can it mean?" I gasped. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "'Yes.' window when the police appeared." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in your sleep?' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "I think that I had better go, Holmes." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an For additional contact information: year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really disappearance of the bride.'" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and lumber-room." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa straighten it?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, crime. go--none." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "No. His orders were to stay in the house." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to which it had come upon my father." at my remark. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "But his left-handedness." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." over part of the map. "What do you read?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make train from Paddington which would bring you there at about me upon any point which I do not make clear." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. the window, rose as we entered. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret someone who had been in Australia." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "One horse?" interjected Holmes. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far kindly on the shoulder. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be where she found matters as described by the last witness. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the during that time.' "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "By no means." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Of Friday, June 19th." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have October 9, 1890. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad you." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "He said too much." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. obstinate." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "By no means." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by business." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical away to you." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "We must have a cab." a very grave face. "Did you observe the colour?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the morning and make my own way in the world.' "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Pray tell us what has happened to you." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some conceal it?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "What I expected to see." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." generous with you in money matters.' not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "'Certainly not.' information in his hands the value of which he did not himself crime. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Have you her photograph?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with trifles." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness.