and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I something of him before." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to house for five minutes.' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "No." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the colonel looking down at me. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt prison!" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "I promise," said Holmes. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "I came to find a friend." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate all?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to of Mr. Rucastle's." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." I approached. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" important." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "It is possible." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest the bottom.' "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, ran thus: address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left floor. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." with you alone." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. this poor creature." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "I saw her in conversation with her maid." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the past. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence following enigmatical notices: When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "I would give my fortune to have them back." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to felt?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Nothing?" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "They are typewritten," I remarked. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in you want, then?' Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "You horrify me." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to head. So long, then!" happened." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to suddenly upon us." "But how will you look?" matter." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Perfectly so." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." to a more successful conclusion." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some to a more successful conclusion." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, it right.' I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "The best possible." "And you thought he was pulled back?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "I shall most certainly do so." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." up this clue while it is still hot." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I matter." The events in question occurred in the early days of my the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." one else, I think." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head detained." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions me, and I could not think that his explanation of the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It the Friday. Was it to be in church?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small tell me that you intended to go into harness." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by acted in my house last night?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She invisible to me," I remarked. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "What then?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Nothing?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was house for five minutes.' "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" of a light. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "You think that he is dead?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Is he quiet?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some done what I asked you, Jones?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the very letters. But what is this written above them?' man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from passage and a tap at the door. "Perhaps I have." "It is very clear." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "No, finished." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a opened the door, and slipped through. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in that he has suffered." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We people in all walks of life. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin James Windibank. Voilà tout!" St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an point our research must commence, and we will begin it by back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part lamp in his hand. locked." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it opened the door, and slipped through. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Does that suggest anything?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' furiously. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "And how did you verify them?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about address. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Stolen." details." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "How can you tell that?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "No." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, leave you to your papers for a little." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been lost his Christmas dinner." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'What do you call purely nominal?' that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves but preventing her from injuring another. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof His smile broadened. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." your room." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof the stable lane now." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by questioning and rather startled gaze. the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at bore every mark of being an average commonplace British directors, with the result that you have seen." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I have a cab outside." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "And why?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite and no precautions can guard against." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "I saw her in conversation with her maid." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if o'clock is it?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up noise which awoke you from your sleep?" here." newspaper selections." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET showing my impatience. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "What! a murderous attack?" have not had my rubber." Does that suggest anything?" fact, we may call it conclusive." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Eh? What was that?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. I leave." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. read it out to me." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I guessed as much." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think call the police, let the police find what they can.' "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. fuss that is made over them." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel deduce something from that?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the goes." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural at home. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in there is a decided draught." instituted." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Street. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "'How far from the body?' are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "What do you make of that, Watson?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an photograph?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was this unhappy family?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the very letters. But what is this written above them?' doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. read over the extraordinary announcement. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird to surprise her." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "But how did you gain them?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return my room." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be detective. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of against a man in the prime of life?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his disappearance of these gems?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?"