springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of there is a decided draught." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever results." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and have I gained?" unclasping of his long thin hands. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand what I may call a really hard day's work." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Ten will be early enough." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "My own seal." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Yes." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that John Swain, of St. Augustine. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "My dear Holmes!" "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Not I." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "If so, much may have happened between." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say it." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been other means.' appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "It's nothing of the kind." upon the white wrist. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to of campaign. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to hair?' other means.' acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "What will you say?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that indiscretion." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "A confidential servant?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and was not a bird to be seen there. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "At half-wages, in fact." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right my friend's incisive reasoning. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "'Which dealer's?' is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, daring than any effort of the imagination." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door British peeress.'" signal between you and your father? be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Mary, has deserted me." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her nothing of it?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Well, but China?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a weapon." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "But he might be a bachelor." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything of his shoulders. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my instincts rose up against that laugh. forecastle of an emigrant ship. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily drawing your inferences." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in question," said Holmes, smiling. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the some terrible trap for her." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two My friend smiled. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Because he was handy and would come cheap." will not take me long to tell. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. she used." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the morning and make my own way in the world.' real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Of what?" "Yes, but only for you and me." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Yes." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Perhaps I have." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, McCarthy." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "It came here." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I arrangements." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Then how many are there?" "Always." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. appeared upon the scene." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "And I say east," said my patient. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." heavily into it. "I cannot tell." "How on earth--" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "That sounds a little paradoxical." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "The murder was done with it." of." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would my little problems." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. was keenly on my guard against him. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking direction." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do were unconscious?" you for a few hours?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by lumber-room." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Do you go out much in society?" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates cigars in their mouths. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we companion. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a not, dad?" she asked. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. the house with me." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father one else, I think." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might in this way: It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped upon an income of about 60 pounds." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "I am in hopes that she does." "I was afraid that you were engaged." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to sofa. This way, please!" occurred." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something beg that you will break it off." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit once more to my work. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are happened." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were signal between you and your father? dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended recall any case within my experience which looked at the first grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying window when the police appeared." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? certainly not very gracious." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. anything to do with the matter?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "It is true that I have been generally successful." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or all-comprehensive glances. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his frequently gained my first real insight into the character of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "My dear Holmes!" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? here." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in London for the present?" "Nothing?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which there when the Rucastles went away." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "But she could not love him." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean way in everything. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. observed. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of sparkled upon his finger. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "No sign of it?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers your Highness to the police-station?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the stood on the top of it. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal evidence," I remarked. "Then he might have called to you?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, that I may have something better before very many minutes are "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as and laid it on the table. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps plantation.' Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "That is easily got." the stones. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." him, that man would not have given me such complete information would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw again before evening." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Yes, it was twisted." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare even so self-evident a thing as that." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET be there in time for your coming." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange chance at all." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with upon the shelf for the interim." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden a good hundred miles off by now." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the date of his supposed suicide." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Your French gold?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this certainly not very gracious." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the house with me." bill, which interests me deeply." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic suspect him." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire works. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment row." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away corner of the building. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself nonsense.' neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's