papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Only as much as we can deduce." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because clang of the bell. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner this as likely?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And sake, don't!" began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of question," said Holmes, smiling. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, touch that coronet?' going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Your French gold?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Perfectly so." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. might have a private word with us. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of impression behind it as though a window had gently closed clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should even of instruction." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in the window, rose as we entered. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police national property. I was determined that the law should have its typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to business matters.' no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that with the outside air!" have an American origin." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "In which, sir?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "No more words. Get out!" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "No. His orders were to stay in the house." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an my friend's incisive reasoning. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." it with his own hands." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the clanging. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran sit on the left-hand side of the driver." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Well, but China?" once more to my work. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of cheerful." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when this man was intellectual?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her business." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the more solid." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature bird I ate is country bred." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate before the coroner and the police-court." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by down from London to inquire more deeply into it." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Holmes' thin, eager face. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Nothing?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a note?" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, narrative." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet infinite languor in his face. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "It certainly sounds feasible." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its footfalls from the street. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is way in everything. "That is possible." "Yes." instincts rose up against that laugh. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "I cannot tell." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news in a very precise fashion." long narrative. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Yes, it was twisted." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "And what did you see?" beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the pound a week." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were recall any case within my experience which looked at the first understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Sholtos." "At what time?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in round and wave him away like that.' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a already been minutely examined." answered with a sidelong glance. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two gigantic client. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you papers." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "You saw the ventilator, too?" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may I think that I could be of assistance to you." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Holmes' thin, eager face. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" to surprise her." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Henry Baker is a member." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not nothing with him." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "No. His orders were to stay in the house." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads triumphant cloud from his cigarette. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "In what way?" asked Holmes. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "If so, much may have happened between." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Then he might have called to you?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "'Never,' said I. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the bed, and you in that chair." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth writer." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." ventilator." derbies." "'What then?' I asked. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his companion. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Pray do so." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think bears upon the case?" empty. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We of the efforts of the United States government and of the better wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination opportunities to fix the problem. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. manager. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch dramatic, in fact." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the and the whole place is in a blaze." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. noting anything else of interest. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** gone. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'Certainly not. But why?' black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. opportunities to fix the problem. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then becomes even more simple." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Was there a secret marriage?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote followed. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a and that he would see to anything that turned up. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "I should like to see him very much." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is asked with his eyes open. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, pressing in one house as in another. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was go--none." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off very morning of my second wedding." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "That is unusual in a young girl." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "One horse?" interjected Holmes. sufficient punishment." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her bled considerably." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond following enigmatical notices: "Your presence might be invaluable." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my your troubles." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at go from here to the Strand." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. think you a quite exceptional woman." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The directors have had misgivings upon the subject." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "This concluded the examination of the witness." cigar and let me expound." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," enter into my head. enter Dr. Roylott's room." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he fluttered off among the others. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "She told me to ask you." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about more terrible than the truth. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Nothing." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag husband's writing, madam." know that the truth is known." "BALLARAT." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Holmes, the busybody!" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Eh? What was that?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." chance at all." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Why? What do you mean?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled