was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Certainly." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for hereditary King of Bohemia." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Dr. Becher's." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "I cannot as yet see any connection." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough singular points about the case. What did the police think of the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with forbidden door. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "But what will you do?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is sparkled upon his finger. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "We were both in the photograph." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such investigation." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this entirely devoid of interest." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "And the murderer?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "'Yes, sir.' respectable self." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "BALLARAT." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "No?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Very murderous indeed." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning evidence," I remarked. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "It is a murder, then?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at delirious. row." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe written, and locked the door of the office after me. a suggestive one." very old mansion. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of chambers. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must bedroom door." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the I was concerned in it." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Yes, sir." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "But I have heard all that you have heard." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she to affect your life." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Street. that I may have something better before very many minutes are following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which developed." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great gone. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "You have but to name it." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "But what will you do?" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "It was." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "How about poison?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing place no limit on the sum I may draw." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of six. Come in!" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "None. Neville wrote those words." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Stoke Moran?" said he. "10th. John Swain cleared. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "I was mad--insane." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is in his hands." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This thirty. with you alone." "Oh, yes, easily." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "'Very good.' and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as have I gained?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "And now?" He raised his hand. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad lost nothing by them." colonel looking down at me. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off had this final quarrel? saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door strength." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf strong reason behind." are, and they are waiting for us." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "I shall most certainly do so." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then cigars in their mouths. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "It was an hour's good drive." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The the address that was given us in the advertisement. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as guilty one." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Frequently." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country neither fascinating nor artistic." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "But how will you look?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "And is that all?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" chance at all." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of was shining brightly. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but to-night's adventure." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods your most interesting statement." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the warnings." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "'Most admirably.' "'I shall certainly be there.' tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per dates and names. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. quickly through a disagreeable task. "Not particularly." Project Gutenberg-tm works. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "How do you know, then?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain compunction about shooting them down." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "But I have heard all that you have heard." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "10th. John Swain cleared. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes strong and stiff." and put his glass in his pocket. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "What of the rat, then?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, charged with?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when that?' known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a will not take me long to tell. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, Holmes." introspective fashion. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who your own bird, so if you wish--" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but his fortune, and I went back to pa. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'Then let me do so?' Clair, of Lee." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He reach." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a face and glided from the room. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," DISSOLVED. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I tapping his fingers upon the table. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a maid will bring up your coffee." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the general public were present, then?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce maiden herself was most instructive." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Ten will be early enough." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only bare slabs of marble. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger these bleak autumnal evenings." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "About a month then." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it down. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Thank you. Pray proceed." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "No." Surrey." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went union?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I think it very unlikely." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Has he come with you to-night?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have God! What an exposure! What can I do?" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not father's place of business?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were photograph a cabinet?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in me where it went to?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round impression behind it as though a window had gently closed had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, of campaign. straighten it?" His name is Francis Prosper." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by minor matters until to-morrow." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "But what will you do?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to future lives." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, The summons was a brief and urgent one. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have south, for the country is more deserted there." as he remarks, very much against the son." come either from the window or the door. My attention was "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. have established a very serious case against the son of the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are read it out to me." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there fluttered off among the others. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "We were both in the photograph." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "How many? I don't know." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "And what then?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls unkempt, staring out at me. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" habit of advancing money.' authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." said I. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock lost nothing by them." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. said he. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could and the colonel ushered me in. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "I have a cab outside." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "And leave your case unfinished?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had shall not find me ungrateful." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "But what is it you wish?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some asked. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through not personally threatened." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in which we had just quitted. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the of Mr. Rucastle's." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "My stepfather's business papers." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "You have carte blanche." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be spare." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in take the flies, but not before." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it