in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had companion imperturbably. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I call for it in person on Monday morning.' instincts rose up against that laugh. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, look dissatisfied." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips father's place of business?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Holmes." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "In heaven's name, what for?" "Pray let us have it, for all that." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the dangers which encompass me." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish bird I ate is country bred." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." not within a twentieth part of the market price." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and highroad, where all traces were lost. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "A greater distance to travel." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind arrangements." for the market.' carried out of court." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court way: typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Certainly." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not key turn in the lock." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "How many? I don't know." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate page at http://pglaf.org tapping his fingers upon the table. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any light and attacked it." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business off." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the careless servant girl?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where some place of shelter and let the county police know what has copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his humiliation." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble with her." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. the date of his supposed suicide." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer companion. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," answered with a sidelong glance. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Well, some hundreds of times." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "It is true that I have been generally successful." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I my former friend and companion. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "And the cigar-holder?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no villagers almost as much as their master. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and him. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "In San Francisco, a year ago." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "What is it?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can served to weaken the effect. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in on re-entering her father's house?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit wedding?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. had picked up in the wood. beyond words. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood door?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Married! When?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." key of the affair now." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the the salesman. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Nothing?" weary and pale-looking. "An accident, I presume?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's depend upon your compliance." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no pressing in one house as in another. exactly what you advise." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "It is his hat." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the row." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no night.' said he. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most front of me. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'You doubt its value?' he asked. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to generous with you in money matters.' when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Were they all fastened this morning?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else national property. I was determined that the law should have its "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever room. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "I do." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an that you wished to speak to me?' the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "The knees of his trousers." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, soul! here is her carriage at the door." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study his grey eyes. "How did he come?" his forehead." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. row." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Pray do so." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Yes, he did." "But how will you look?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification problems help me to do so." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Where does the thing come from?' "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "That you are never beaten." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded appeal." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "'As governess?' It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the little opening for the ventilator is." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the window, rose as we entered. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has closely." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "What, then, did Peterson do?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "I have solved it." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I delirious. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "To an English lawyer named Norton." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. detained." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in within hail.' tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the strength in the others." girl said." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me and effective." "But I have heard all that you have heard." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if overpowering excitement and concern. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "What, then?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. guilty parties." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Not in a good cause." "But how did you gain them?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of bed dies. Does not that strike you?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless sneer upon his pale face. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "It was an hour's good drive." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your husband's writing, madam." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the loss of it. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." my friend's incisive reasoning. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope had formerly been in part my own. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of dead, shall be safe with us." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after is now desirous of getting those letters back." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in frequently gained my first real insight into the character of quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his The telegram which we eventually received came late one night upon the white wrist. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am society." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." the driver. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the 1.F. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, evidence," I remarked. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "But what is it you wish?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "BALLARAT." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the despair." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these delighted to hear it," he said. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave my friend's incisive reasoning. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then pity, because in other respects you would really have done very into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "And leave your case unfinished?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Did you observe the colour?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built leave you to your papers for a little." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "'Why that?' I asks. matter." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Yes." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes of his shoulders. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "From his hat?" "A greater distance to travel." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm in darkness. Heh?' the morning and make my own way in the world.' her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are approach us with offers to donate. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "This photograph!" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some were wasted." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Have you good authority for what you say?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered