certainly not very gracious." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but before the coroner and the police-court." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "No sign of it?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing retorted upon me, and I on you." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Nearly eleven." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is is now desirous of getting those letters back." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "But who is he?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the general public were present, then?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Well?" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. know that the truth is known." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Serpentine Avenue. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand questionable one." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "The Coroner: What do you mean? thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "On your arm?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned eavesdroppers?' and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly putting in the horse. outside." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, to some other building. "How do you know, then?" said I. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small fait accompli?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room cup of tea. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "'Yes.' sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has relief. "Where, then, is my wife?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so giving me time to thank him. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those photograph a cabinet?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor national property. I was determined that the law should have its ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. putting in the horse. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you coat-tails." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger From what you have told me I think that it is possible that distinguish the words: constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "And what did you learn from him?" me where it went to?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside national property. I was determined that the law should have its it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "'Certainly not.' to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Yes, it would be as well." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was will he say when he returns?" o'clock is it?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Could he throw no light?" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should village inn over there?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange conclusions. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Nor running a chance of arrest?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "You are all wrong." possible that we could bring him back to her? of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean was not a bird to be seen there. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to companion imperturbably. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'Very good.' half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another was a perfect sample of the class. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this one or two very singular points about this room. For example, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he was lame." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where vague figure huddled up in the darkness. results." system of imprisonment?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a go from here to the Strand." not, dad?" she asked. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Married! When?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put made his money." "And why?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and crackling voice. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, occurred." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "It came here." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "The doctor?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "I would pay ten." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may best detective that ever lived. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, never will be, entirely cleared up. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your him nearly every evening." down. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On respectable self." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Seven!" I answered. burst out into a roar of laughter. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "No, but the enclosure is." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A be. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and might have a private word with us. "Game for a morning drive?" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into few hundred pounds.' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Very. But will he see it?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." late!' to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who *** START: FULL LICENSE *** bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "My dear Holmes!" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one sneer upon his pale face. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "How can you tell that?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "How on earth--" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "He slept on the premises." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis strode off upon his way. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Then the page we have seen--" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "'Never,' said I. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in shadow pass over his face as I spoke. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond ceremony." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" closely." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "And you don't know his address?" "'I have heard so.' "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "10th. John Swain cleared. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Here?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too prisoner's face. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Nothing." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "But I have heard all that you have heard." call you and give you the chance." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'What, the red-headed man?' you want, then?' makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "But she will refuse." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing works. See paragraph 1.E below. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. the devil!" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "How did that help you?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, was already answered. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my answer." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "My last client of the sort was a king." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of promised to bring home. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. mystery!" Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some was already answered. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start charged with?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "A thing like a cleaver," said he. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as never to learn it at all." for and were ordered to this address. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his all-comprehensive glances. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the to tackle the facts." have established a very serious case against the son of the and it need not interfere very much with one's other was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any gives a meaning to it." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "'I have heard so.' flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. is a common subject for conversation. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more were unconscious?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "How did you trace it, then?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I nice household for a young lady." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a appeal." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Breckinridge is his name." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I public press." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this outside. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler bird of prey. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "I don't believe it." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own in this note: into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "But his lameness?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Your presence might be invaluable." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" all that?" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the gigantic client. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which presented which may be striking and bizarre without being them present such singular features as the strange train of "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You interests were the same as his." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man girl said." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of him nearly every evening." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this and capable of preserving a secret.' "You have it, sir, just as it happened."