became a certainty. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look all?" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis this Miss Turner." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it dramatic, in fact." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is desk. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than this as likely?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in think that any burglar could have done. "It is possible." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are shall not find me ungrateful." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "I should like to see him very much." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt on in his house." place no limit on the sum I may draw." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt then?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "No, distinctly professional." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "How many? I don't know." this poor creature." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Heh?' cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, he died? generous with you in money matters.' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of galvanised. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I and effective." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he made his money." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at drawing your inferences." hand, madam?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger him nearly every evening." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in spark where all is dark to me." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "From his hat?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission back alive. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the himself to tell his story. "None." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Stolen, then." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very visitors." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to maiden herself was most instructive." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the morning." "Dark enough and sinister enough." wedding?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an this man was intellectual?" began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing formed some opinion?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "You have a clue?" "'Oh, no.' "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite closely." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Perfectly so." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of row." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "May I see it?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "How often?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "If I can be of use." society." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance take the flies, but not before." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as them?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "You horrify me!" and wait." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to goes." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction laugh and put his lips to my ear. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between dear old homesteads?" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Thank you. And your address?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take in this note: 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "A greater distance to travel." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "'I shall certainly be there.' Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'How far from the body?' strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her excitement. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that be there in time for your coming." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and over with notes and figures. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "My last client of the sort was a king." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Deserted you?" "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more dates and names. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed I approached. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the ceiling. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining power." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "'There is a drive, then?' least a fellow-countryman. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Not him." "My dear Holmes!" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary States. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have rooms." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a miles off. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a unclasping of his long thin hands. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was one which it was hard to resist. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions interest. They are important, you understand, without being this Miss Turner." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door there when the Rucastles went away." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Ten will be early enough." your billet.' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "'It is locked up,' I answered. again." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "That is not always so easy." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the business in the City. She little knew what. cigars in the box." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Pope's Court. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as redistribution. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To case before our client came into the room." should be so warm over such a trifle." during that time.' him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Nothing." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "And sit in the dark?" written. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way three of the beryls in it, was missing. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Did he not advertise?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the said he at last. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face bonnet, and went out." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an you for a few hours?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. congenial hunt. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." indeed happy." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "What shall I do?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "'Entirely.' "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, unclasping of his long thin hands. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which you give your casting vote to?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" once more for Briony Lodge. "Perhaps we may make them less so." "No, distinctly professional." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' is worth.' "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are it." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "On the contrary, this is the right side." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in present." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Not him." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most country, and eventually married, without anyone having a retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the knowledge of the world." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood anything to a woman, for she would have her way." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "No, finished." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the burst out into a roar of laughter. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his rat could hardly pass through." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I do." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project unkempt, staring out at me. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." locked. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both nights." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need call it cruel." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after cause to be." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "And for present expenses?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in amused." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that your bag." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of present strange and interesting features that it is no easy shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from until night should bring an explanation. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Was he the only applicant?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and open." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I written. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the done what I asked you, Jones?" which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. opportunities to fix the problem. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "He is still with you, I presume?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Yes." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some my former friend and companion. to surprise her." papers on the sundial.'" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle husband's writing, madam." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both