"Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Well, it is a possible supposition." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Stolen, then." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were wedding?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without during that time.' the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the wedding?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, fact, we may call it conclusive." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a you give your casting vote to?" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." forebodings. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. least a fellow-countryman. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and and that he would see to anything that turned up. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Nothing?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Imitated." situation." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some characteristics, but those are the more obvious." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the window, rose as we entered. "'You cannot say what it was?' had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Then I shall certainly come." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the iron safe, which he closed upon it. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in awaited us upon the table. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that just called myself is not exactly my own." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "May I see it?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted into the room. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "I don't say that. Perhaps." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Yes. He waved his hands." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I burst out into a roar of laughter. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last and I shall be with you presently." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass time." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Leave Paddington by the 11:15." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "About a month then." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting have established a very serious case against the son of the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. there when the Rucastles went away." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon to that open window." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out becomes even more simple." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate once more on the important position which you have been fortunate however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Absolutely none." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but fasten all the windows?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, used to be." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and the house with me." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "'Ample.' "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as of campaign. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "How did he come?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I was afraid that you were engaged." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by acted in my house last night?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It room had already been engaged for us. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I go from here to the Strand." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the from you?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he His name is Francis Prosper." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "It is a murder, then?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "'You cannot say what it was?' pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Of what?" in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I conclusions. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true matter over." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be me where it went to?" "When did she vanish, then?" "Certainly." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was of a light. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went hand, madam?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began crime. "BALLARAT." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I guessed as much." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. his forehead." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I gone. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "My private note-paper." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "What then?" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. late." "Not particularly." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was impression behind it as though a window had gently closed was lame." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to do.' arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found at my own good fortune. "I should like to see him very much." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Why, what do you mean?" "Pray continue your narrative." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view to-night." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "That you are never beaten." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord this Miss Turner." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "And the cigar-holder?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of suggested at once that there must be a communication between the presume?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "So I have heard." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias she might be summoned. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front to have that photograph." "Was there a secret marriage?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the Assizes." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed views." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight as he folded up the epistle. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a that you can jump it.' I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself soul! here is her carriage at the door." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all door?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "I should like to see him very much." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was DAMAGE. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." secret." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Yes, but only for you and me." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, during which he might have communicated with his friend the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, bears upon the case?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the were unconscious?" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" galvanised. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly come either from the window or the door. My attention was vanished into the darkness. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to I am not easy in my mind about them." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Can I be of assistance?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug strong and stiff." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness use an arc-and-compass breastpin." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then wedding?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such to have been novel and of interest." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. vault. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "But I am all in the dark." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Countess of Morcar's?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "It is possible." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross."