was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after be best to do. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend taking in every detail of the apartment. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From to a light-house. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one even so self-evident a thing as that." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, where she found matters as described by the last witness. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little garden below. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the matter?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "No bad?" said he at last. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the works. See paragraph 1.E below. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous were wasted." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "That is unusual in a young girl." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the floor. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "How on earth--" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of begin with, and I had not got mine yet." My friend smiled. "To an end?" at my remark. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. death." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "It came here." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which think that any burglar could have done. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of examination of the premises, but without finding anything which endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as that I can to serve you." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not rooms." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" the side-table." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "So it appears." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "He is dead," cried several voices. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Then you may be so with me." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found of campaign. more terrible than the truth. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "It must be recovered." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to the salesman. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask ourselves in the office." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a confronted him. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was ways including including checks, online payments and credit card that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and with the outside air!" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless comes from the middle window." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the his grey eyes. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "What! Had he lost his wife?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 over with notes and figures. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was enter Dr. Roylott's room." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, call for it in person on Monday morning.' sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "How did that help you?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock residence of the great financier. "You horrify me." "Nothing?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Do you go out much in society?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story affair. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose your billet.' anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire observed. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "And the cigar-holder?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Stoke Moran?" said he. think that any burglar could have done. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the south-west, I see." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." undoubtedly my uncle's." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged have an American origin." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should vague figure huddled up in the darkness. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a some mystery and the punishment of some crime." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the of a light. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Is he quiet?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and about. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor was shining brightly. opportunities to fix the problem. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table you want, then?' a monotonous occupation." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Two days later this same performance was gone through under papers." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This beyond words. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Never." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of conduct the inquiry." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are present." "Nearly eleven." "He said too much." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from my former friend and companion. his wife has ceased to love him." nothing of it?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "I will not look." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss shall not find me ungrateful." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from outsides of the windows. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "We have tried and failed." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away suspect him." point in the dark hollow of his hand. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Street. "Never to return." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "And help." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he examination of the premises, but without finding anything which he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "And sit in the dark?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. his eyes and forehead. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and friend's singular character. tell him that I know him to be innocent." Holmes' thin, eager face. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon is so. I know all about McCarthy." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and skylight. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it rooms." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Nothing." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in License. You must require such a user to return or The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. then?" felt the room to be a little close.' in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the union?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Eh? What was that?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "It was." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "That was it, sir." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. placed his cuttings. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in recover the gem." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This a suggestive one." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The o'clock is it?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors outsides of the windows. just called myself is not exactly my own." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Miss Holder?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you when your master had gone out." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in to-night?' "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke directors, with the result that you have seen." "Was the window open?" the salesman. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the notes," he said. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" taking in every detail of the apartment. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "The landlord of the Alpha." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' few hundred pounds.' his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so God! What an exposure! What can I do?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "And how have you succeeded?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing status with the IRS. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy in his hands." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or discontent upon his features. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether returned to France?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor see me here to avoid scandal." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I cannot think." indiscretion." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this like gravel from a pit.' marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other not, dad?" she asked. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Look there!" said he. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Did he not advertise?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." of." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say noise which awoke you from your sleep?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." reach." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from open." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I get her out of the way." "Where to?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "I shall be delighted." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "How did you deduce the select?" incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "'I have already given you my word.' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "But how could you guess what the motive was?" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "How about poison?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Where did he live, then?" hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Yes. He waved his hands." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball."