"No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a them, and came down just as you departed. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "How did you trace it, then?" "No good news?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to been deceived." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Oh, fresh and glossy." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into I took the paper from him and read as follows: "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as not use it unless it is absolutely needed." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "It surprised me." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated again on its way. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "9th. McCauley cleared. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in again on its way. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, weighed down with some great anxiety. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." to a more successful conclusion." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, husband's writing, madam." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it charged with?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was disturbance in my wife." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Certainly." "I do." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "None." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Well." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning father's young wife. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something as noiselessly as she had come. the one as in the other." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "A call for help, you thought?" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. individual and becomes the badge of a society." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case more terrible than the truth. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for himself in a perplexing position. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "My dear Holmes!" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the question," said Holmes, smiling. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. looking up at the numbers of the houses." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be kind enough to tell me what I should do." "At half-wages, in fact." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from plantation.' drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of place no limit on the sum I may draw." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Certainly." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the nursery. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more that I can to serve you." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire skylight. envelope. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers there in twenty minutes." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that but preventing her from injuring another. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself enter into my head. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a or other trace. But how on earth--" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Yes, but only for you and me." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter do.' fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid foresight and the moral retrogression?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Pray let us have it, for all that." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Absolutely none." as this. Pray let me have the details." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money The police have openly confessed that they can at present make the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." from the brougham. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "It is solved." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and past. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to secret." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land little adventures." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper soul! here is her carriage at the door." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I attention." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the girl said." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah at my remark. instincts rose up against that laugh. as this. Pray let me have the details." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him these bleak autumnal evenings." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Watson," he said cordially. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Watson," he said cordially. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a and effective." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "How often?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "9th. McCauley cleared. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never bell. Holmes whistled. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for corner of the building. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "It missed him, then?" "Pray do so." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a several quiet little villages up there." "Of what?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. forehead. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "That is easily got." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Then how many are there?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'What are you doing there?' he asked. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "But how could you guess what the motive was?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we national property. I was determined that the law should have its many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of made him keep the appointment." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." one of the states of the Union." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my indiscretion." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "When did it break out?" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in distance from the station, and there we found the young lady moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my definite end. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up had picked up in the wood. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the during which he might have communicated with his friend the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Yesterday." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage chill to my heart. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Watson," he said cordially. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I say it is." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who developed." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been so far?" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. this man was intellectual?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that nothing with him." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can you do it in twenty minutes!' waste of energy." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." villagers almost as much as their master. my little problems." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a spare." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "'I have already given you my word.' breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat present strange and interesting features that it is no easy answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "I should like to see him very much." hereditary King of Bohemia." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "'Most admirably.' Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing knowledge of the world." "Yes." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is him and tried to hold him back. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our answer." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry ago." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the child." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they his eyes and forehead. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just companion. "Do you know him?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Come in!" said he. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this young Openshaw's." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a an introduction to him?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a people in all walks of life. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham call for it in person on Monday morning.' fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret