"I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; spark where all is dark to me." your sleep?' the tragedy. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" purpose equally well?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped call for it in person on Monday morning.' immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "And how did he make his money?" said I. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "What, then, did Peterson do?" that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy into the room. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I am still in the dark." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "My stepfather's business papers." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and bird I ate is country bred." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a conclusions. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." less than 26s. 4d. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "And I." noting anything else of interest. any." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to young Openshaw's." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" one else, I think." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking was used.' heavy and sharp instrument." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate colour had been driven from his face. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a annoyance, but no jest. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. asked. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its get her out of the way." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. narrative." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an business." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the pictures, libraries, or plate. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Sutherland. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, death." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of I took the paper from him and read as follows: outbreak?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "To an end?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "No, but the enclosure is." any more." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." true." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the is now desirous of getting those letters back." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the with her." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "By train from Waterloo." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. my little problems." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here tell them apart.' have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Very murderous indeed." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture derbies." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend absorbing." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, reach." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' you?' neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Pray continue your narrative." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and showing my impatience. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "'Oh, no.' surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it four million human beings all jostling each other within the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes here." went to the Alpha were town bred." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Then I am your man." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Dirty?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "The rest you will leave in our hands." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk eat it." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "I cannot say that I have." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the the matter." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I thin, with a long, sharp nose?" upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography disturbance in my wife." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the putting in the horse. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left mystery." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows I leave." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, how narrow had been my escape. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in will find little credit to be gained out of this case." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the the very morning of the wedding." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion question," said Holmes, smiling. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a you." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! lectures into a series of tales." have established a very serious case against the son of the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of entirely lost his self-respect." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Sutherland?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' upon the white wrist. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I rat could hardly pass through." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think away to you." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just it? Did I buy the geese off you?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker bare slabs of marble. You want to know what became of those geese?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Eh? What was that?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. narrative." the general public were present, then?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up in a friendly supper." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "You have but to name it." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "No. His orders were to stay in the house." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was which was all perfectly true. yards of it?' state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "'Never,' said I. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "It was an hour's good drive." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at of his shoulders. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Look there!" said he. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "When did she vanish, then?" been." narrative." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I nice household for a young lady." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Yes, certainly." that you can jump it.' was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! http://www.gutenberg.net by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the night.' peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every your billet.' "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never power." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I him to go away.' that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my humiliation." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "My photograph." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Where does the thing come from?' every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely cause to be." is," said he presently: slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally hereditary King of Bohemia." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which stepfather?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months hardly wander." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "But you have hopes?" most interesting one." "But the mystery?" the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was his eyes and forehead. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and that he will be back before evening." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so