o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "I should like to see him very much." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "To the police?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "How many? I don't know." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing get the tickets." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Has he come with you to-night?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I room had already been engaged for us. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Certainly, madam." "But his lameness?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, village inn over there?" roused himself from his reverie. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Witness: Nothing definite. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate over here." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through infinite languor in his face. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a corner of the building. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Precisely." "What shall I do?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, charge against him will break down." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so http://gutenberg.net/license). constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then said I. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "And on what day did he meet his death?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I posted to-day." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all the tragedy. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again chance." "Proceed, then." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he strong and stiff." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "That's no good." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom to you." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. again, where I was soon asleep. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to indeed happy." 1.F. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the nice household for a young lady." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes coroner's jury." that you wished to speak to me?' station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Perfectly so." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the hour." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like new duties?' girl said." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Were they all fastened this morning?" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he of his shoulders. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Texas, I think." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I following enigmatical notices: man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the manager. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "She walked into the breakfast-room." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, been." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a union?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it business." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "But to whom?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "The knees of his trousers." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to strength in the others." Mrs. Toller serenely. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "You have the photograph?" in darkness. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, details." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I do." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "No." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "An enemy?" "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." for its centre. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'What, the red-headed man?' "That's no good." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I your bag." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us suddenly upon us." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." lamp in his hand. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped in darkness. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has him. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, take the flies, but not before." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New hands. the bed, and you in that chair." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My photograph a cabinet?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with is worth.' number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him to affect your life." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "'Most admirably.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible together. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, and glanced through. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "No." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is chance." "I will get her to show me." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way and put his glass in his pocket. next day. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock presume?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at guilty one." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "How are you getting on?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "About a month then." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "What!" he roared. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached once more on the important position which you have been fortunate this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Holmes, the busybody!" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your gentleman's clothes. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit to miss it." pierced for earrings?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Oh, yes, easily." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "He said that you could solve anything." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge daring than any effort of the imagination." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "You are all wrong." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered this as likely?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may which our visitor detailed to us. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "And did you observe any change in her then?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was http://www.gutenberg.net knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. morning." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Yes." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a notes," he said. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "BALLARAT." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "You know me, then?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "An accident, I presume?" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "My stepfather's business papers." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me that you can jump it.' "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" power." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one His name is Francis Prosper." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put interested in these little problems, and since you are good however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door in a very precise fashion." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any depend upon my doing so.' "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Witness: It was. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "And when will you call?" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, one which it was hard to resist. strode off upon his way. "It is very kind of you." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "To an English lawyer named Norton." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "It missed him, then?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but people don't know." you?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick acquaintance?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Foundation trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Very well, sir. And this stone?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "And how?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive your co-operation." be.' his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "My photograph." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to there!' whole matter to your consideration." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." once more to my work. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty new acquaintance to Baker Street. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise persecution?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Oh, fresh and glossy." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be."