"Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." business." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against and a shock of very red hair. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted redistribution. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden fled together." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say digesting their breakfasts at home." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "And you thought he was pulled back?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, this unhappy family?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some time." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's kind enough to tell me what I should do." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "And did you observe any change in her then?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "In heaven's name, what for?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "And did you observe any change in her then?" "It is very kind of you." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest conclusions. were unconscious?" steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Countess of Morcar's?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for heavy and sharp instrument." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." have an American origin." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Dr. Becher's." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent from you?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "How did he come?" with frightened eyes at his accuser. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "That was it, sir." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced their singular warning or token before them when starting upon transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his I have it here in my museum." future lives." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford McCarthy's innocence. "I will get her to show me." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's think that any burglar could have done. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Then he might have called to you?" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler dates and names. long narrative. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small shag which I had seen upon the previous night. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my enter Dr. Roylott's room." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. drawing your inferences." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what union?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Yes." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "It looks newer than the other things?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I ways of our fellow-men." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "'I am sure if I had known--' "So it appears." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "If so, much may have happened between." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed brandy and water within his reach. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so detective. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the one as in the other." "The vanishing of the lady." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to she slowly sank and died without having recovered her could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the page at http://pglaf.org "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "I cannot think." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." whole matter to your consideration." "This concluded the examination of the witness." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "And why?" time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is any." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical important." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in guilty one." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in his face which made him a very different person to the round, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I occurred." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. his fortune, and I went back to pa. signal between you and your father? should be taken.' leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to nonsense.' near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "It goes to the housekeeper's room." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I because she had spent so short a time in this country that she it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in locked. I leave." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the companion quietly. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to What do you deduce from it?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn tail." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his stepfather?" "And your mother is alive?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or matter." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between said he at last. national property. I was determined that the law should have its with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "To an English lawyer named Norton." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "You saw the ventilator, too?" "How do you know, then?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be The police have openly confessed that they can at present make explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "I am sure." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my held up the lantern and gazed about him. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I charge against him will break down." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of was shining brightly. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "You are hungry," I remarked. are, and they are waiting for us." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you must compliment you." quickly through a disagreeable task. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward from the brougham. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a know all about it," he snarled. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." habit of advancing money.' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and and the colonel ushered me in. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk manager. thought that she would have been so carried away." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Precisely so. But how--" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "It certainly sounds feasible." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the room. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "At half-wages, in fact." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of at my own good fortune. But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always at once, for I have only half an hour." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may which should have the effect of calling the attention of the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. paper in the air. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I go back?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Yes, that is the Crown." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were pity, because in other respects you would really have done very great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "The vanishing of the lady." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian taking in every detail of the apartment. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable carried out of court." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "I will get her to show me." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a union?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the with you?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or soul! here is her carriage at the door." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me know that the truth is known." Does that suggest anything?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the of it with the greatest attention. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible been lifted and conveyed somewhere." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a ourselves in the office." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "'How far from the body?' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless true." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Very well, sir. And this stone?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of highroad, where all traces were lost. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "We have tried and failed." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your is so. I know all about McCarthy." night.' said he. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the copied or distributed: "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "No, but the enclosure is." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of are, I think, all that we need." "'Never.' appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "'Ample.' I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "'What, the red-headed man?' all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "But his lameness?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open do.' abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened that when your master had gone out." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our companion. criminal. We have already had experience of such." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, I. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor and effective." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little business at Coburg Square is serious." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was of the vacancies.' their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its promised to bring home. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "How did you trace it, then?" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The seen the man in the road." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "What can it mean?" I gasped. "It is very clear." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet did not hear it also.' chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in back into the street. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a against a man in the prime of life?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking as noiselessly as she had come. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Foundation "Of what day?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must