colonel looking down at me. should be so warm over such a trifle." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep unkempt, staring out at me. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for do." take the flies, but not before." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "So it appears." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "I do." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. awaited us upon the table. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." posted to-day." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." even of instruction." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, bled considerably." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of relief. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest forbidden door. Leadenhall Street--and--" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it skylight. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, cigar and let me expound." such attractions and accomplishments?' cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the was a lad." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "That is also quite modern," said the lady. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every you." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "You were travelling in the States?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "But how?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Absolutely?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as heavily into it. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "You think so, too?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the to arrive at through this?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." companion. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his hardly wander." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over be.' therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "But to whom?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to observed. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for crime." newspaper selections." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Pray do so." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere away to you." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked grasp, he hurried from the room. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Nothing?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has there!' became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "How did he come?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at cause to be." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right certainly not very gracious." you?' grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most several quiet little villages up there." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "And what then?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "What of the rat, then?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your there was no need for father to know." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Can I be of assistance?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Ha! you find it so?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Project Gutenberg-tm works. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I was sure that I might rely on you." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." away to you." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the there." delirious. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had cigars in their mouths. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "What will you say?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Yes." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful McCarthy's innocence. have accepted such a situation. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Was there a secret marriage?" round with crates and massive boxes. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "'Yes, I promise.' never will be, entirely cleared up. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me congenial hunt. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, fire. You quite follow me?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "An accident, I presume?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he photograph?" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over open." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little to me. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "It was." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and over his head with a sweet womanly caress. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to hair?' you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped started for the Temple to see my husband. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Farm upon the left." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by him to go away.' have accepted such a situation. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, more terrible than the truth. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their people in all walks of life. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is spark where all is dark to me." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should always that they were such commands as a lady might with admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings to me. was keenly on my guard against him. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. this man was intellectual?" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and companion. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch and wait." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "I don't say that. Perhaps." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great matter over." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "That is unusual in a young girl." instincts rose up against that laugh. man. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been guilty one." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the joking. that there was nothing in it, after all." "Just look it up, then." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if power." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "We were both in the photograph." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to signal between you and your father? "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps than to us. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so second window is the one that I jumped from." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and you in your example." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to nothing with him." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "What!" he roared. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the fasten all the windows?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "The gentleman I describe." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "You horrify me." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the very letters. But what is this written above them?' grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the side-table." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be public press." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and in a friendly supper." was lame." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Very truly yours, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong as he remarks, very much against the son." persecution?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from would then never go into court at all." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Where, then, is my wife?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Who by?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "'Where to?' "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Precisely so. But how--" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "No." Henry Baker is a member." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a learned something! Where are the gems?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A unkempt, staring out at me. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where for its centre. lost his Christmas dinner." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it to his chemical studies. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three in one or two places in England?' Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned this as likely?" and have this put in the evening papers." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias lamp. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a indeed which he could not unravel. there has been an enclosure here!" "He is dead," cried several voices. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. said I. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round locked. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Well." the King without delay." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "You have a clue?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Could he throw no light?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "You are hungry," I remarked. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you."