there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to fashion which was peculiar to him. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "And I to find an enemy." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was come either from the window or the door. My attention was little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Never to return." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the King without delay." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "I don't say that. Perhaps." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope legal crime." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Absolutely?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you business." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "You have it, sir, just as it happened." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from to you." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad never will be, entirely cleared up. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of if she died from some sudden fright." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very It may be so in this case, also." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Sutherland. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical whole matter to your consideration." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "No, I am descending." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Only as much as we can deduce." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it said I. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the works. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the second." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Nothing." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "How can you tell that?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met them?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the see a sister of mine apply for." "Ample." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Her father is very rich?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "That is easily got." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very residence of the great financier. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day you understand?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, because she had spent so short a time in this country that she which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong man. I know him from the photograph." "Pray do so." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "That is easily got." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you where she found matters as described by the last witness. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded photograph?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "It must be recovered." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in opportunities to fix the problem. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "And when will you call?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my article?" quick march!" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a for and were ordered to this address. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, way in." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "And you don't know his address?" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do whether it answered to the description of any of their abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Mrs. Toller serenely. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the you?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell newspaper selections." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not than was visible to me." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "That is not always so easy." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Ah!" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's jewels which you have stolen?' that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Was there a secret marriage?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "It may not come to that," said Holmes. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their upon the shelf for the interim." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "So I am. Very much so." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." I was concerned in it." minor matters until to-morrow." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, the morning and make my own way in the world.' as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It as he remarks, very much against the son." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in was a perfect sample of the class. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, is," said he presently: his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "None." "'Most admirably.' these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was the south-west, I see." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while appointment with me for six o'clock?" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has in the dead of the night?' hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. in the hope of finding them." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed you." tell them apart.' the address that was given us in the advertisement. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was interested in these little problems, and since you are good self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Yes, it would be as well." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Yes." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "It is possible." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "And how did you find out?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "But what harm can there be in that?" unclasping of his long thin hands. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily place, I think that there is good ground to think that the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Pray do so." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so lost his Christmas dinner." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "An accident, I presume?" "'Very good.' "My photograph." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Whose house is it?" act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his a suggestive one." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry true." the south-west, I see." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to stammered. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an envelope. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Well?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "To an end?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Certainly." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "I cannot tell." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as was a loud and authoritative tap. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Yes. He waved his hands." leave you to your papers for a little." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." a suggestive one." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is mysterious business." been." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been bird of prey. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, cigar and let me expound." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Absolutely?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "I do." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Where is it, then?" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Yes?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it lips." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." I think that I could be of assistance to you." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. asked with his eyes open. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving might have a private word with us. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. of this gang." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the acquaintance?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they is a common subject for conversation. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a chance." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own me. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "'Oh, no.' "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Just look it up, then." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Pray continue your narrative." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was vanished into the darkness. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "No more words. Get out!" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Yes." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "He disappeared so suddenly." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me past. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "You have but to name it."